‘My choice. My right. My life: The Forced Marriage Conference’ will take place at Ark St Alban’s Academy on Saturday 19th March 2016, 10am – 3.30pm.
A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it
The event will be hosted by Ark St Alban’s Academy with the participation of the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), West Midlands Police, Muslim Women’s Network-UK (MWN-UK) and other partners.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Faeeza Vaid- Executive Director of the UK Muslim Women’s Network
- Jasvinder Sanghera CBE – Founder of Karma Nirvana
- Sophie Lott – Forced Marriage Unit, West Midlands Police
- Nev Zaki – Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP
- Raqia Akhtar – Youth Support Services
- Trudy Runham – Public Protection Unit, West Midlands Police
In the cases of some vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to consent, coercion is not required for a marriage to be forced.
Government guidelines state that, ‘A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it… In the cases of some vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to consent, coercion is not required for a marriage to be forced.’ The FMU gave advice or support related to a possible forced marriage in 1267 cases in 2014.
Conference partners are committed to taking action to end this practice and work towards a more positive future for those at risk of being forced into marriage. The conference will raise awareness of Forced Marriage, its practice and the support available – galvanising support in furthering local and national efforts that will end the practice of forced marriage.
The conference will bring together young people, community members, activists and faith leaders committed to the rights and empowerment of people to make their own choices. Workshops and guest speakers will afford participants the opportunity to pledge commitments to promote freedom of choice.
Event venue: Ark St Alban’s Academy, Conybere Street, Highgate, Birmingham, B12 0YH
