Rashid Begum OBE

Rashid Begum OBE is a senior solicitor with experience across central and local government, operational police law and policing. A survivor of honour-based abuse and forced marriage, she combines legal and strategic expertise with lived experience and has spent more than 14 years helping to strengthen national responses to violence against women and girls, harmful practices and safeguarding. She currently works within the Government Legal Department and is an SRA-regulated solicitor. 

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Rashid has, as a subject matter expert, contributed to strategic, legislative and operational reform relating to forced marriage, honour-based abuse and FGM, including work with the Forced Marriage Unit and involvement in the national HMICFRS inspection of all 43 police forces in England and Wales. Her work has included policy development, professional guidance, training and international engagement, bringing a survivor-informed perspective to government and frontline systems. She received a Home Secretary’s Commendation in 2022, was appointed OBE for public service in 2023 and received the UN Women UK Outstanding Contributor to Gender Equality Award in 2024.