Our Story
Hatua is a social enterprise model born from the unique Ask Listen Act approach, where over 3.5 million women and girls across 47 counties told us their priorities for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health. Again and again, they voiced survival needs colliding daily: money for hospital care, fare to reach antenatal and immunisation clinics, food during pregnancy, safe water and sanitation, dignity during menstruation, respectful maternity care, and the ability to lead in decisions that affect their health and families. While women and girls continue to speak out, systemic responses are often delayed and slow, leaving these urgent needs unmet. Hatua’s core is therefore rooted in addressing these realities with urgency and in building practical, sustainable solutions led by women themselves.
It All Began with Asking and Listening
HAVI was born from the voices and lived realities of women and girls.
Through the What Women Want campaigns led by White Ribbon Alliance Kenya, more than eight nationwide listening exercises asked simple but radical questions regarding women and girls’ health, wellbeing, dignity, and livelihoods.
Over 3.5 million women and girls answered. Their raw, urgent, and honest voices became the foundation of HAVI.
The Truth Beneath the Surface
Not one crisis, but a polycris.
From these voices, one truth became clear, women are not facing single issues in isolation. They are trapped in a Polycrisis. A cycle where poor maternal health, poverty, undignified care, and economic exclusion feed into one another, costing innocent lives.
Women demanded care that treats them with dignity and respect. Health information and self-care knowledge they can use. Services closer to home. Opportunities to earn, stand tall, and gain practical skills to navigate life.
Hatua: A Step Forward
From voices to action.
It is because of this urgency that Hatua Action Village Initiative (HAVI) was born.
Hatua is our step forward with women. Moving from listening to action through our whole-woman approach, and Maisha Pack. A blend of practical tools, care, and opportunities that women can use, sustain, and grow.
