A FGM activist and survivor helped launch a groundbreaking gender equality charter.

Nimco Ali, who co-founded Daughters of Eve, was the guest speaker at Thursday’s event which was a UK-first for a local authority.

The charter is a commitment on behalf of the council and its partners to create a fair and just society where people are treated equally, discrimination is tackled and the barriers to achieving equality removed

The launch, which was held at Barking town hall, also included a range of captivating performances including lightwalkers and a boxing sparring demonstration.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of the council, said: “We’re proud to be recognised nationally as the borough leading the way on gender equality.”