About Us
Nada Foundation is a UK-registered human rights organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of girls and young women. We focus on raising community awareness and safeguarding girls from various forms of abuse. Our work involves educating communities about human rights, emphasizing justice and equality, and challenging harmful practices. By empowering girls to achieve economic independence, we equip them with the skills and opportunities to lead fulfilling and self-reliant lives.
Our Story
Our foundation was born out of an urgent need and a compelling journey that began in 2013 with a courageous girl named Nada Al-Ahdal. At just 11 years old, Nada fled her home in Yemen to escape a forced child marriage, just one week before her wedding date. Her bravery was ignited by personal tragedy—her aunt had tragically taken her own life at the age of 14 after being forced into marriage, and her sister had attempted the same at just 12 years old.
Determined to break the cycle, Nada recorded a heartfelt video message that she shared on YouTube, highlighting the dangers and injustices of child marriage. The video received 8 million views in less than three days, was translated into over 40 languages, and sparked international media coverage. Nada’s plea resonated globally, prompting the Yemeni government to take unprecedented action by introducing laws criminalizing child marriage for the first time in the country’s constitution. The idea of establishing an organization was supported by Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Obaid bin Daghr, transforming Nada’s individual efforts into an institutional movement that immortalized her achievements and global impact. Nada became a global icon in the fight to end child marriage.
Transforming from a victim into a human rights activist, Nada continued her advocacy even after facing personal dangers, including a 14-day abduction by ISIS. Her relentless efforts were recognized when the Nada Foundation received the “With and For Girls“ award from Purposeful UK in London in 2020, highlighting us as one of the most impactful organizations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, many local and international organizations were forced to close. Our team, many of whom relocated to the United Kingdom, decided to re-establish the Nada Foundation in the UK. We are committed to serving communities in England and Wales, bringing our experience and dedication to support girls and women here. This is our way of giving back to a society that has welcomed us and continuing our just cause from a new home base.
Our plan is to showcase our success over the next five years within the UK, building a strong foundation before expanding our reach globally.
Our vision
We envision a world free from domestic and societal violence against women, where women are recognized as equal partners in life. Our goal is to end child marriage and prevent the exploitation of girls under the guise of cultural or traditional practices. We strive to transform victims into success stories—individuals who overcome adversity and inspire others.
Our mission
We believe that meaningful change happens when we collaborate. United in purpose, we are dedicated to:
- Preventing Child Marriage: Working together to stop child marriage and supporting girls who are—or have been—married.
- Empowering Girls: Amplifying the voices of girls at risk and advocating for their rights to health, education, and the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
- Strengthening Initiatives: Enhancing efforts to end child marriage at all levels of society.
- Raising Awareness: Promoting open and informed discussions about the impacts of child marriage and domestic violence at community, national, and international levels.
- Facilitating Collaboration: Encouraging learning and coordination among organizations working towards similar goals.
- Mobilizing Support: Securing essential policy changes, financial resources, and other support necessary to protect girls’ rights.
How do we work
At the Nada Foundation, we adopt a comprehensive approach to support and empower girls:
- Safe Environments: Providing secure spaces where girls can find support and guidance.
- Holistic Support: Offering counseling services to help individuals heal and build confidence.
- Education and Skills Training: Equipping girls with education and vocational skills to achieve economic independence.
- Community Engagement: Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about human rights and the benefits of equitable practices.
- Advocacy: Collaborating with policymakers to promote laws and regulations that protect girls and uphold their rights.
For more details about our programs and where we operate, please visit our How to Get Help page or see Where We Work.
How we are funded
Our impactful work is made possible through the generosity of donors, partners, and supporters who share our vision for a just and equitable world. Your contributions enable us to:
- Expand our programs to reach more girls in need.
- Develop innovative solutions to combat child marriage and support girls’ empowerment.
- Advocate for policy changes that safeguard girls’ rights.
We are committed to transparency and accountability in all our operations. To learn more about our supporters and how you can partner with us, please visit our Partners page.
Charity details
We are a registered charitable organization in England and Wales (Registration No: 1202802). We are dedicated to preventing child marriage, protecting girls from violence, and educating society about the importance of human rights and their positive impact on communities.
Join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of girls. Your support can help transform lives and pave the way for a future free from violence and inequality.
How to Get Help
We are here to provide support and guidance to women and girls facing challenging circumstances. Our process is simple and transparent, ensuring that every individual receives the help they need. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to access our services.
Where We Work
We are committed to reaching vulnerable communities across England and Wales. Our work is strategically focused on areas where the need for our services is most significant, ensuring we provide targeted and impactful support.
Who Do We Serve?
Our mission is to create opportunities and provide essential support for vulnerable individuals, especially women and girls, to lead better lives. While we aim to assist all young people, our primary focus is on those facing specific challenges and vulnerabilities.
What Do We Offer?
We provide a wide range of services to support girls and women in overcoming challenges and starting a new chapter in life. Our services include:
