The struggle for awareness on honour-based abuse and harmful practices. An interview with Afrah Qassim from Savera UK by Megha G
Afrah Qassim has always worked within health in the community, building bridges between Arabic communities and the health sector. She learnt about the inequality in this sector. About the gap between those who got that support and those who didn’t. About those who struggle to get the right advocacy, whether simply getting GP appointments or even basic awareness about rights. Her understanding of the barriers to support for people in vulnerable situations grew and while working in the NHS in community development she discovered more about how this lack of support was leaving many women in life-threatening positions in relation to forced marriage and domestic violence. Her passion to make change led to the development of Savera UK.
Savera UK has been established in Liverpool since 2010 and has grown to deliver its service nationally. The main focus is to end ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices through safeguarding, advocacy and campaigning.
“My culture, my religion, are not harmful to anybody. I’m a proud Yemini. My intention has always been to bring awareness around how cultures or religions are used as an excuse for inhumane and barbaric practices.
cultures or religions are used as an excuse for inhumane and barbaric practices
“Sometimes those at risk of HBA and harmful practices, like forced marriage, feel unable to seek help because they fear being isolated within their community, or being seen as ‘shameful’. While engaging with communities, many women told me they were struggling to go and ask for help because from a very young age they are taught to behave in a certain way. It restricts their freedom to choose. And if they don’t behave that way, they feel guilty and fear consequences within the wider community.
I realised I needed to do something when I was contacted by a school where a young woman at risk of forced marriage was blackmailed by her family to marry. So, I felt the very urgent and the very important need for an organization like Savera UK.
“I researched into whether the local community here in Liverpool were aware of the difference between arranged marriage and forced marriage. The line is very blurred, it’s really hard to define at times and it also happens so much behind closed doors. So, we knew from this it was very difficult to understand and to spread awareness.
“After the research took place, we decided to organise our first conference in Merseyside. That conference was a big hit. People wanted to know more. What needs to be done? How to do it? So, in 2008 I created a group with professionals and people from the community. We established Savera Liverpool.
“I wanted people to understand the difference between culture and freedom. Personal choice and the violation of human rights. That everybody has a choice and a right to make those choices. The individuals who come to us are often in life-threatening situations. These people are so brave that at the final moment they realise that they deserve something better than this. We empower hem to get their independence and build their confidence. Understand their rights here in the UK. We encourage them to do their own things and make their own choices. To feel free.
“Now many years on from the beginning of Savera UK, I feel content. I never expected Savera UK to be so big, not just locally but nationally. It’s only because of the passion and commitment I have seen from many people that we have achieved so much. To be able to extend help and support to so many women. And also now support men.
“When I was aged 11 my auntie planned my marriage to her son, but my father went against his older sister as he knew it’s something that should be my choice. From this experience though I also learnt how much many women go through. Maybe they are not fortunate enough to have that family support, or their social structure is different. Issues we face are political, complex, and sensitive. We battle against language barriers, against the guilt the women feel. I have been confronted by the community. ‘You shouldn’t be talking about this. You should be quiet.’ There are so many vulnerable women and that’s how I felt the urge to make sure something could be done. To extend some help to all at risk of HBA and harmful practices.”
If you are at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse or harmful practices, you can contact Savera UK’s national helpline for support on 0800 107 0726 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm). You can visit their website www.saverauk.co.uk and following them on social media @SaveraUK.