TW: Sexual Violence || At SHEWISE, our mission is to empower women and provide a voice to those who have been silenced by cultural practices, abuse, or neglect. Two critical issues we are passionately addressing are Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and sexual violence.
These harmful practices violate human rights and deeply impact countless lives.
FGM is a harmful cultural practice that affects over 44,000 women and young girls globally every year. It is not only a breach of human rights but also a form of gender-based discrimination that causes extreme physical and emotional trauma.
Why is FGM So Harmful?
It can lead to excessive bleeding, infections, chronic pain, and complications during childbirth.
Survivors often develop PTSD and lifelong psychological trauma.
We want to be clear: you do not have to go through this. You have the right to say no to cultural practices that harm you or your children.
How Can FGM Be Stopped?
Educating Communities: Teach about the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM.
Empowering Women and Girls: Provide them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their bodies.
Engaging Men: Encourage them to break the cycle of harmful practices.
Advocating for Policy Change: Work with governments to enforce anti-FGM laws and hold perpetrators accountable.
At SHEWISE, we work closely with the University of East London Legal Advice Centre to offer advocacy and support to women impacted by FGM.
No Excuses, No Justifications – No Means NO
Sexual violence remains one of the most pervasive yet underreported crimes worldwide. In the UK alone, 69,958 cases of rape were reported to the Metropolitan Police between October 2023 and September 2024. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16.
The Myth of Marital Consent
Many women are told that consent is irrelevant in marriage – that forced sex within marriage is not rape. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Consent is essential, regardless of the relationship.
Other Forms of Sexual Violence
Being coerced into sexual activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Having intimate photos shared without consent.
A no is a no—always. A maybe is a no. Survivors of sexual violence need to know that their voices matter and they are not alone.
How Can We Change the Statistics?
Education on Consent: Teach that consent is non-negotiable, no matter the circumstances.
Stronger Laws: Advocate for harsher sentencing for perpetrators of sexual violence.
Support Systems for Survivors: Make it easier for survivors to report incidents and access the resources they need without fear of blame.
Finding Support with SHEWISE
Shewise provides culturally sensitive advice, training, and support for women from underrepresented communities, particularly those from South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds.
We offer:
Advocacy and Legal Support: Through partnerships with organizations like the University of East London Legal Advice Centre.
Emotional Support: A safe space to share your experiences and heal.
Risk Assessments and Safety Plans: Practical help for those in immediate danger.
If you or someone you know is affected by FGM or sexual violence, you are not alone. Reach out to Shewise for support at support@shewise.org or call us on 0333 188 1505.
Together, we can break the cycle of harm and create a world where women are free to live without fear.
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