Patron
Nazir Afzal OBE
Former Chief Prosecutor for North West England, expert in deradicalisation and a senior British lawyer who campaigns on issues around child sexual exploitation and violence against women.
“Savera means new beginnings and the people Savera helps know exactly what that means. They are rescued from hopeless and desperate abusive relationships, or from families who are determined to harm them through forced marriage or FGM, and given hope, help and a home. These victims and survivors are the least likely in the UK to seek help because of issues such as honour and culture…It is my privilege to be Savera’s Patron, I can think of no better way of showing my admiration for the work they do and the lives they save.”
Celebrity Ambassadors
Sunetra Saker
British actress, star of Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant.
“We can make a difference when we unite our voices and bring subjects like those tackled by Savera UK to the forefront. If we don’t speak out on behalf of those that have suffered and are suffering, then we cannot expect change and this is ultimately what is required. Through my role as Savera UK ambassador I hope that I can raise awareness and help survivors and those at risk to feel more connected, relevant and empowered to speak out.”
Survivor Ambassadors
Payzee Mahmod
A Kurdish immigrant, raised in London, Payzee is a campaigner against harmful practices. A survivor of FGM and child marriage herself, Payzee’s sister, 20-year-old Banaz, was murdered in a so-called ‘honour’ killing.
“I am very excited and honoured to work with Savera UK Youth to raise awareness and work towards eradicating ‘honour’-based abuse. I am humbled and inspired by the young people’s commitment to this issue. This representation is crucial to engaging young people and hearing about the work we need to do directly from them. I am hopeful they will bring change and I’m there to support them all the way.”
Khatra Paterson
Director and owner of KP Aesthetics, wife, mother of two and survivor of FGM.
“Past experiences of abuse do not have to define you as a person. Growing up in a fearful household due to persistent domestic abuse and being the subject to Female Genital Mutilation is abhorrent but I’ve used my past to help other survivors. I’m a strong believer that through education you can change cultural beliefs that have a negative impact on women and children. As an Ambassador for Savera U.K. I will be using my experience of being a survivor to educate, support and make change.”
Kiara Mohamed Amin
Trans multidisciplinary artist based in Liverpool and survivor of forced marriage, ‘honour’-based abuse and FGM.
“My work as an artist focuses on the underrepresentation and marginalisation of minority groups, which is why I am so passionate about Savera UK’s mission to create awareness and help those who are vulnerable and have nowhere else to turn to. Though my work and my ambassador role with Savera UK, I want to shine a light on the impact that forced marriage, FGM and ‘honour’-based abuse has on survivors’ mental health.”
Babs Ceesay
Student of adult nursing at LJMU and survivor of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
“I use my own experiences as a survivor to tackle FGM and other other harmful and traditional practices. I have teamed up with Savera UK to engage professionals and communities, raise awareness and inform them of the impact these issues can have. My aim is to encourage them to use this knowledge and understanding to make a difference and end to FGM and other harmful practices within communities.”