1997
Founded by women in Hiraan
Who we are
Founded by women. Working for lasting change.
Humanitarian Integrity for Women Action (HIWA) is a Somali humanitarian organisation founded by women in Hiraan in 1997. We work alongside women, children and young people to advance protection, human rights and opportunities for self-reliance.
Beledweyne
Headquarters in Hiraan
Bulaburte
Hiraan
Mogadishu
Branch office in Somalia’s capital
Our story
Rooted in community.
Driven by dignity.
HIWA grew from the initiative of women in Hiraan who brought deep knowledge of Somali culture and community needs to peacebuilding, human rights advocacy and development.
From these beginnings, HIWA has combined locally rooted support with humanitarian action for people affected by conflict, displacement and natural disasters. Our work places community priorities at the centre, connecting protection and education with practical support for recovery and self-reliance.
Our mission
Why we act.
To alleviate the suffering of vulnerable women, conflict-affected children and young people in south-central Somalia through education, protection, essential assistance and skills that support self-reliance.
Our vision
The future we seek.
Women, children and young people living with dignity, improved wellbeing and the confidence and capacity to shape a self-reliant future.
Our core values
Principles that guide our work.
Accountability
Answerable to communities, donors and the people we work alongside.
Dignity
Respect for the worth and rights of every person.
Integrity
Honest conduct in our work and relationships.
Commitment
Dedicated to the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.
Transparency
Clear and open communication with communities and partners.
Our priorities
Working alongside women,
children and communities.
Women’s empowerment
Building confidence, skills and opportunities for participation and self-reliance.
Child protection
Supporting children affected by emergencies through family support, psychosocial care and community-based protection.
Prevention & response to GBV
Supporting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women and girls through protection and referral services.
Education & skills
Promoting formal and non-formal learning, literacy and practical livelihood skills.
Water, sanitation & hygiene
Supporting safe water access, sanitation and community hygiene promotion in emergency-affected areas.
Peace & human rights
Promoting community dialogue, women’s participation, peacebuilding and respect for human rights.
Local presence
Where we work.
HIWA is headquartered in Beledweyne, Hiraan, with a branch office in Mogadishu. Its documented project experience includes Beledweyne, Bulo Burte and Mogadishu, serving communities affected by conflict, displacement and floods.
Community assessments and local priorities guide the organisation’s approach. Women, children, young people and displaced families are central to this work.
Working in partnership
HIWA’s documented project experience includes work supported by UNICEF, the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF), CISP and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). These relationships span protection, emergency response, education and women’s economic empowerment across different project periods.
Trust & accountability
Responsible action.
Respect for every person.
Governance
HIWA’s governance structure brings together a Board of Trustees and an Executive Director, supported by programme, administration and finance functions. Technical teams deliver protection, education and community support activities.
Safeguarding
HIWA is committed to the Do No Harm principle and to protecting the people it serves from sexual exploitation and abuse. Its policy prohibits exchanging assistance, goods or services for sexual favours and applies to staff and collaborators.
The policy sets expectations for prevention, reporting, confidentiality and protection against retaliation. Respect, dignity and accountability guide the organisation’s relationships with communities.
A shared purpose