Razia Hadait MBE is the CEO and Founder of Himaya Haven CIC (HHCIC), an organisation that started on the 18th November 2016 which was officially registered as a CIC on the 25th March 2017.

Razia has been a community activist for 25 years working in and around Birmingham on issues that are of concern to the community. Prior to setting up of HHCIC in 2017, Razia was the Chair of Fallows Road Residents Association where her campaigns led her to a five-year battle to have scaffolding removed which was left by the Birmingham City Council, branded as a death trap outside their homes.

She further campaigned consistently for eight long years with a local meat factory which they claimed allowed trucks to drop off produce at all hours of the day and night, disrupting their sleep and causing traffic chaos. The campaign was successful and the business was forced to relocate whilst also receiving a fine of £10,000.

Razia was also the chair of Sparkbrook Neighbourhood Forum; believed to be the first Asian female to take that role out of the 60 forums in Birmingham.

Razia has also for the last 4 years been raising awareness of taboo issues within local communities such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, honour based violence, child sexual exploitation (CSE) and child sexual abuse within the family environment. Razia also organised a ground breaking CSE workshop aimed at taxi drivers to encourage them to be vigilant and to report concerns, which received local media coverage.

Razia’s passion for women issues saw her jointly raise £1600.00 within 3 weeks to do a charity walk for women (“4 miles for smiles”) who were acid burn victims.

Razia roles have also been:

May 2016 – Aug 2016 – Health and Wellbeing Coordinator – KIKIT Pathways to Recovery
Working with individuals, families and communities that are affected by drugs and alcohol

Sept 2013 – Dec 2015 – Centre Manager Small Heath Community Forum
To manage and oversee the day to day management of all projects and staff within Small Heath Community Forum.

Oct 2011 – Feb 2012 – Community Development Worker Sparkbrook Forum
Managing volunteers and staff developing new opportunities and monitoring exiting projects, awareness about community issues. Raising funds and planning meeting and events. Managing budgets.

Sept 2008 – June 2011 – Parent Support Advisor Greet Primary School
Parenting support, supporting parental engagement with their child’s learning empowering parents to engage in courses. Supporting parents with children with learning disabilities. Mentoring parents in how to cope and support their child/children’s learning.

Sept 2005 – March 2007 – Yarnfield Estate Development Worker Acocks Green Forum
Developed strategy for community capacity, establish workshops consultation and planning events, set up activities for a resident group, residents participation, trips street champions, community walkabouts and representation.

Sept 2003 – March 2006 Women’s Development Worker Allen’s Croft Project
Set up a women’s group, provided information, guidance and advice in supporting asylum seekers and refugees, supported community groups, arranging trips and activities, promoted healthier lifestyles and training.

April 2001 – July 2003 – Development Worker Ashiana Community Project
Develop local partnerships, provided services in adaptations to older people, smoke alarms, locks and safety issues, involved in the community fire service and police offering advice and filling in forms, attended meetings working with volunteers and public sector and local business.

In recognition of her work, she was awarded:

• SME News CEO of the Year – West Midlands 2023 (WINNER)
• Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Award 2023 for Family Support NPO of the Year (WINNER)
• Female CEO of the Year 2023 for Offender Family Support CEO of the Year (WINNER)
• Member of the British Empire (MBE) for the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List 2022
• West Midlands Mental Health Awards 2022 for Team/Service/Organisation Award in targeted support for communities (WINNER)
• New Leaf CIC Criminal Justice Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2021 which recognises individuals who have changed their own lives and developed services to support others (WINNER)
• Criminal Justice Alliance Award 2021 for being an Outstanding Individual Runner-up
• UK Community Heroes Award 2021
• Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Ambassador for Peace 2019
• High Sheriff of West Midlands Recognition Award 2019 in recognition of great and valuable services to the community (WINNER)
• Heart of Gold Awards 2016 for being an Inspirational Woman in Birmingham
• Community Foundation Inspirational Awards 2015 Community Leadership Award (WINNER)
• Lord Mayors Award 2015 Outstanding Contribution to the Community
• Fallows Resident Association Award 2014 Outstanding Contribution
• Sparkbrook Forum Award 2002 Sparkbrook Hero’s Award

Razia has received certificates for the completion of:

• 29th January 2024 – Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Harm Training
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• 18th October 2023 – Prevent Awareness Course
• 25th January 2022 – Gambling Harm Prevention Training
• 11th January 2022 – Suicide Prevention Plus Training
• 9th November 2021 – Suicide Prevention Training
• Data Protection Training (AFCS, 2021)
• Safeguarding Training (AFCS, 2021)
• Certificate of Attendance National Centre for Domestic Violence information session (2021)
• 9th February 2018 – Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering in food safety and hygiene level 2
• 17th July 2017 – Suicide Alertness Training
• 18th May 2017 – Equality and Diversity Training

Certificate of Attendance

• 15th February 2018 – CPR and Catastrophic Bleeding Training
• 20th January 2018 – Safe Guarding our Women and Girls

DBS Enhanced Cleared

Media Coverage

• A BBC WM radio interview with CEO Razia and Director Zobia about Himaya Haven’s Heritage fund prison art project ‘Behind Close Doors’.
• A Unity FM radio interview with CEO Razia about her work with Himaya Haven and receiving a MBE.