An anti-FGM campaigner and a women’s rights advocate have both ben granted Freedom of the Borough.

Hibo Wardere and Leyla Qalbi have been named Honorary Freewomen of the Borough of Waltham Forest.

Ms Wardere is an anti-FGM campaigner and public speaker who works closely with many groups across Waltham Forest to further their cause, including youth engagement groups.

Leyla Qalbi Hussein is a blogger, public speaker and psychotherapist who campaigns for civil rights and women’s issues.

Ms Wardere said: “My wonderful borough gave me last night the highest honour a borough could give to [an] individual. It’s [the] Freedom Borough Award. I will say again, I am most supported and loved by my borough. That means [the] world to me.”

Congratulations have poured in for the pair.

On Twitter, Jenny Banks wrote: “Congratulations to Hibo Wardere and Leyla Qalbi Hussein on becoming Honorary Freewomen of the London Borough of Waltham Forest in recognition of the eminent services they have rendered to the Borough over many years and as an expression of the high esteem in which they are held by the Council.”