A 15-year-old student at Newham College organised a seminar on women’s rights that featured speeches by famous campaigners.
Abdul Vijad, who lives in Manor Park, held the seminar at the College’s East Ham Campus as part of his Citizenship GCSE.
Abdul, who was born in India, says he chose to invite speakers to discuss female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage because they affect the lives of many young people.
He said: “We split our class into two groups – one organised forced marriage and the other FGM. “We know that they are culturally sensitive issues and some people don’t want touch them.
“But we also know that if we don’t look at them nothing will ever change.” He added: “FGM can cause physical harm and long lasting health issues. Young people should be aware that forced marriage is a cultural issue, but they should also know that they shouldn’t have to go through it without their informed consent.”
Read More: http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/newham_college_student_organises_seminar_on_fgm_and_forced_marriage_1_3555888?usurv=skip
Tags: Female genital mutilation, FGM, forced marriage, halo project, honour, victims
