Savera UK, a leading Liverpool-based charity tackling culturally-specific abuse in the UK, will mark the National Day of Memory for those lost to ‘honour’ killings and ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) with an online event shining a light on survivor stories, providing a beacon of hope.
Speakers will include Savera UK CEO and Founder, Afrah Qassim, Patron and former Chief Prosecutor for North West England, Nazir Afzal OBE, along with Queer multidisciplinary artist and Savera UK survivor ambassador, Kiara Mohamed, who will share a short film created exclusively for the webinar, documenting her story after leaving home, as a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage and ‘honour’-based abuse.
The event will share the personal stories of other survivors of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices and a special poem, performed by representatives from Savera UK Youth.
Each year the National Day of Memory takes place on the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, the A-Level student from Warrington who dreamed of being a solicitor, but was murdered by her parents in 2003 for bringing ‘dishonour’ to her family, after she refused an arranged marriage.
The remembrance day was established in 2015 to shine a light on HBA and other harmful practices, as well as to provide a platform for the brave and inspiring survivors to share their stories and give others the courage to seek help.
Savera UK’s webinar will include practical advice on recognising the signs of HBA and seeking help for yourself or others. At the end of the presentations, delegates will be invited to ask questions or share their own stories and experiences of HBA and other harmful practices.
If you would like to share your story, you can contact the Savera UK team in advance of the event by emailing info@saverauk.co.uk. The organisation will aim to share as many as possible, time-permitting.
Additional information about ‘honour’-based abuse and how you can join Savera UK in speaking out against it will also be shared from the charity’s social channels throughout the National Day of Memory.
Registration for this event is free but any donations are gratefully received. Registration is essential. A full itinerary and password protected link to the webinar will be provided ahead of the event.
Register here My Story, My Savera
