Empowering Girls & Ending FGM: The Hawa Trust Story
When young girls are told their lives are defined by harmful traditions — that their bodies, futures and voices don’t matter — change becomes urgent. That’s why the Hawa Trust Foundation exists: to empower, to educate and to end practices like female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage that hold girls back from reaching their full potential.
Who we are
Hawa Trust is a UK-based charity working in London and Sierra Leone. Our mission is to reduce the risk that girls and young women undergo FGM, especially in communities in the UK and in Sierra Leone, and to support those who have already been affected. We also aim to shift harmful social norms, tackle early child marriage, HIV / AIDS awareness, and build support networks for women and girls in vulnerable communities.
Why this work matters
In Sierra Leone, the prevalence of FGM is among the highest in the world, and the rates of early child marriage remain alarmingly high — for instance, around 39 % of girls are married before their 18th birthday.
In the UK, while awareness of FGM is growing, many survivors still face stigma, isolation, and a lack of culturally-sensitive support. Hawa Trust provides a vital safe space for one-to-one counselling and group support.
What we do
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Awareness & Education: We run workshops, school programmes and community events to educate about FGM, early child marriage, HIV and domestic violence. Hawa Trust partners with local organisations to build capacity and change attitudes.
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Support Services: For survivors of FGM and those at risk, we offer confidential, non-judgemental support including referrals for healthcare, emotional support groups, and practical help.
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Community Projects in Sierra Leone: We work directly in rural villages, delivering training, awareness campaigns and livelihood support so that communities can shift away from income models tied to harmful practices.
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Advocacy: By raising the profile of these issues both locally in the UK and internationally, Hawa Trust helps ensure that policy-makers, service-providers and communities take action.
Our vision for the future
We envision a world where girls and young women are free from the fear of harmful cultural practices, free to pursue education, health and a life of dignity. Through partnership, awareness and grassroots action, we believe meaningful change is possible.
How you can help
Every effort counts:
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Educate yourself and others: Share accurate information about FGM, early marriage and women’s rights.
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Donate: Your financial support enables our workshops, support services and community projects to reach more girls and women.
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Volunteer: Whether in London communities or overseas projects, your time and skills can make a difference.
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Become an advocate: Use your voice in your networks to highlight these issues and support cultural change.
Suggested Tags:
FGM, girls empowerment, women’s rights, Sierra Leone, child marriage, Hawa Trust, community development, UK charity, awareness campaign
