A woman who had been forced into marriage as a teenager with a man years older and whose sister was an “honour killing” victim has revealed her tragic story to college students at Hornchurch.
International campaigner Payzee Malika gave her powerful accounts as one of the speakers at New City College Havering Sixth Form.
The college was staging an awareness event on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to highlight abuse that many are forced to go through.
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Payzee now spends her life working to bring about a change to women’s rights.
“We can all be involved in conversations around eliminating violence against women and girls,” the global campaigner said afterwards. “I was honoured to be here and speak with these young people and hear from them.”
She urged students to “speak out to help change society and make a difference” to the world around them.
Awareness of violence... staged at New City's Havering Sixthform college
The students heard about high profile cases like the murders of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa — and this year law graduate Zara Aleena in Ilford.
Zara was attacked in the street in June and left unconscious, discovered by passers-by, but died later in hospital. She was 35.
Her attacker was a convicted predator out of prison on license who later admitted in court to sexually assaulting her as she walked home from a night out.
Students becoming aware of violence and abuse to women
The students at the awareness event also learned about issues of coercion, control, cat-calling, cyber bullying and “sexting” text messages as well as staying safe.
Organiser Emma Wood from New City College said: “It’s important as a college that we make a stand to learn how to stop violence towards women.
“Our students can help change the society we live in if they call out bad or disrespectful behaviour, so that women and girls feel safe in their homes and on the streets.”
Interactive activities at the Hornchurch campus in Wingletye Lane included designing badges, tote bags and keyrings and joining tutorials on “the importance of awareness”. Guest speakers also included Met Police Chief Inspector Louise Jackson on how the public can help make women feel safer out at night.
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