About Hawa Dal
Empowering young girls across Africa through education, advocacy, and community action
Meet Our Founder
A passionate advocate whose personal journey fuels our mission to protect and empower young girls
Hawa Bah
Founder & CEO
Hawa Bah, the founder of Hawa Dal Peace of Mind, is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Born in Guinea, West Africa, Hawa's early life was marked by the trauma of female genital mutilation (FGM) at the age of eight and a forced marriage at just thirteen. Enduring years of abuse, Hawa made the courageous decision to escape, seeking a life of freedom and purpose.
In 2007, she arrived in the United Kingdom, where she began her journey of healing and transformation. Fueled by her own experiences, Hawa resolved to dedicate her life to ensuring that no other girl would suffer the same fate. This unwavering commitment led to the founding of Hawa Dal Peace of Mind.
Today, Hawa is a powerful voice for the voiceless. She is a tireless advocate, a compassionate supporter of survivors, and a respected community leader. Her work with organizations like Touchstone and the National Health Service has provided critical support to FGM survivors, and her advocacy has raised national awareness of these critical issues.
In recognition of her profound impact, Hawa was honored with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022. Hawa's story is not just one of survival; it is a story of resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief in a better future for girls and women everywhere.
"I am one of them - I understand their pain, their fears, and their dreams. That's why I fight every day to ensure no girl has to endure what I did, and every girl gets the chance to reach her full potential."- Hawa Bah, Founder
Our Mission
Hawa Dal is dedicated to creating lasting change in the lives of young girls across Africa. We work tirelessly to combat harmful traditional practices, advocate against early child marriage, and fight Female Genital Mutilation while empowering girls through education and community support.
Our name "Hawa Dal" represents hope and resilience - qualities we see in every girl we serve. We believe that when we empower one girl, we transform an entire community.
Our Story
Founded by passionate advocates who witnessed firsthand the challenges facing young girls in African communities, Hawa Dal emerged from a deep commitment to creating systemic change. Our founders, inspired by the resilience of survivors and the potential of every young girl, established this organization to address the root causes of gender-based violence and discrimination.
What started as grassroots advocacy has grown into a comprehensive movement that combines education, community engagement, and policy advocacy. We work directly with communities, partnering with local leaders, families, and girls themselves to create sustainable change that honors cultural values while protecting human rights.
Our Core Values
Compassion
We approach every situation with empathy and understanding, recognizing the dignity of every individual.
Community
We believe in the power of community-led solutions and work alongside local leaders and families.
Cultural Respect
We honor cultural traditions while advocating for practices that protect and empower girls.
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in all our programs and maintain transparency in our work.