About Hawa Herts

Who We Are

HAWA Multicultural Services CIC (HAWA) is an active organisation with a long history of serving the diverse St Albans communities. Initially established in 2008 as the Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association, HAWA aimed to empower women from different backgrounds. Over time, the organisation has evolved, and its services have expanded to encompass both men and women, leading to a name change to HAWA Multicultural Services CIC to reflect its comprehensive approach better.

HAWA’s commitment is based on community-led initiatives driven by its ability to identify gaps in service provision and respond effectively.

Where We Work

Our organisation operates in two locations in St Albans, offering services during term time:

• St. Luke’s Church, St Albans on Mondays from 10 am to 2 pm.
• Fleeteville Community Centre on Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and Thursdays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
• HAWA Social prescribing service is run as an outreach service in different locations such as a primary school, and at the day centre.

History of HAWA MCS

HAWA Multicultural Services (HAWA MCS), an organisation rooted in community care and committed to empowering women of diverse backgrounds within Hertfordshire. Our journey began in 2008 with the inception of the Hertfordshire Asian Women’s Association (HAWA), evolving from our strong partnership with the UK Asian Women’s Conference – UK Branch.

Our mission is to enable women to reach their fullest potential while fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. We offer a wide array of events, workshops, and projects designed to cater to women from all cultural and racial backgrounds. These initiatives include our esteemed Saheli Tiffin Club, The Gardening Club, engaging visits and trips, our weekly hub centre, and various support services.

Primarily centred in the St Albans City and District area, our vision extends toward providing support and services to the broader Hertfordshire region in the future.

As an independent and voluntary organisation, we pride ourselves on our non-affiliation with any religious, national, or political groups. Membership is open to all women above the age of 16, embodying our commitment to inclusivity.

Our journey has seen transformative growth. In 2022, recognising the need for expansion, we transitioned into HAWA Multicultural Services, a social enterprise. This leap was met with great success as we were honoured with the Queen’s Award in 2022.

Responding to the community’s needs, 2023 marked a pivotal moment. Our beloved Saheli Tiffin Club evolved into the Saheli Women’s Day Centre, designed specifically to combat loneliness and isolation.

Additionally, we introduced a gym and fitness program to improve health and wellbeing, established the community-nurturing Habibah Garden, conducted mental health and wellbeing talks, and provided advice and guidance hubs. Our commitment to community integration and cohesion led us to engage in interfaith work while extending our support to asylum seekers and refugees.

At HAWA MCS, we adopt a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, providing bespoke and tailored services to ensure that each individual’s needs are met.

Join us in our commitment to community, empowerment, and holistic wellbeing. Together, let’s continue to foster an inclusive, supportive, and thriving environment for all women in Hertfordshire.

HAWA Mission Statement

To empower women, dismantle inequalities in ethnically diverse communities, promote holistic health and wellbeing, actively engage with the community, and support ageing well to combat isolation.

HAWA Vision Statement

To cultivate an inclusive society where every individual—regardless of gender, ethnicity, or age—has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and achieve a profound sense of wellbeing and connection.

HAWA’s mission and vision, demonstrate our unwavering commitment to fostering an equitable, healthy, and engaged community. By focusing on empowerment, inclusivity, and comprehensive wellbeing, we aim to create a transformative and enduring impact on the lives of those we serve.