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Rooted in feminism. Built for impact.

Hwéfa (HWAY-fah) means house of peace in the Beninese Fon language. Our name was gifted to our Founder in 2008, and like all great gifts, it came with a message:

Build something that feels like home.

And so we did. We’re a collective of gender specialists, researchers, and system-questioners who believe the how matters as much as the what. We show up with warmth, curiosity, and a willingness to ask big questions and challenge easy answers. We care deeply, think critically, and move with intention.

 

Welcome to Hwéfa. Make yourself at home.

Hwéfa’s Origin Story

Hwéfa’s Approach

  • We walk the walk. Our feminist principles aren’t just buzzwords—they show up in our timelines, contracts, and relationships.
  • We’re friendly and fierce. We lead with kindness and ask the hard questions.
  • We co-create. Nothing for us, without us (or you, or them).
  • We build from abundance. We don’t compete, we build community.
  • We reflect in real time. We hold ourselves accountable, even when it’s uncomfortable.
  • We make space for fun. The work is serious. But balance, laughter, and care matter too.

Our Collective

Meet The Founder

Dr. Leva Rouhani

With a PhD in International Development and Gender Studies, and over 15 years of experience, Dr. Leva Rouhani is a powerhouse in addressing gender equality issues at the intersection of education, health, entrepreneurship, and migration. She specializes in qualitative methodologies, working with diverse communities to surface lived experiences and translate them into actionable strategies.

Leva has worked closely with donors, UN agencies, international NGOs, and feminist movements to shape programs, influence policy, and develop bold, strategic plans—always with a sharp analytical lens and a deep commitment to intersectional change. Known for her collaborative style and clear-eyed insights, Leva is a trusted gender and inclusion specialist to grassroots groups, CSOs, donors, think tanks, and multilateral institutions, delivering research and strategies that drive real, lasting impact.

Passionate about feminist research, evaluation methodologies, and innovative participatory techniques, she is committed to reshaping how we approach gender and social inclusion in global development.

To learn more about how Hwéfa Consulting can advance your organization’s development goals, click here.

Languages fluently spoken:

English
French
Spanish
Farsi
English
French
Spanish
Farsi