The disappearance of Owami Davies is finally making headlines. It is sad to say but it’s become commonplace in this country for justice only to be done after the fact when it comes to the protection of black and brown women.
Before we even knew Davies’s name I suspect she was already being let down by the system and the people that are meant to care for women like her. The right questions are being asked about the shortcomings of the Met, but the reality is that the Met is not the only institution letting down women — especially women of colour.
Institutional racism is a reality across the board in core services. Just last week I was on a think-tank’s Zoom call where I was told considering FGM as child abuse was wrong. Violence against women of colour is under-estimated because in the eyes of so many we just don’t count.
I have spent more than a decade fighting to be heard as I know what it’s like to be let down by those tasked with safeguarding your rights. I was rushed into hospital because the FGM I had almost killed me. Even when I was being treated no one thought to connect the dots and question the abuse going on. I was not alone in facing othering and indifference from those who were meant protect me.
Growing up I saw countless South Asian school friends disappear as children only to come back a few months or years later married and pregnant. FGM, forced marriage, or the physical abuse of girls within certain communities when I was growing up was an open secret. That led me into the work I am doing today. But I never thought that in 2022 I would have the fear that if I or someone who looked like me disappeared there would be such lacklustre response from state institutions.
This has to change. It’s not just about commissioning a review or a report, but it’s about a whole system change. It’s about accountability and demanding from our next PM that women, and especially the most vulnerable women, are at the heart of a ‘building back better’ policy nationally and internationally.
Because let’s not forget that this time last year rescuing dogs was deemed more important than helping Afghan women in this country. While the dogs are safely in the UK, the women and girls we have a duty of care to are stuck under the control of the Taliban.
I know I am going to get the usual suspects calling me all kind of things for calling out the racism in our system but the reality is that honesty and openness are always the foundation for insightful dialogue and real change. We can improve our police force, healthcare and international offices. I truly believe in the concept of global Britain as a force for good and I know there are decent people in public service. But for us to ensure we deliver for all those who need protection, we have to do the work.
