The THRIVE Model | Dika Equity and Development Foundation

The THRIVE Approach

Resilience, Inclusion, Voice & Equity

Transforming Households for Resilience, Inclusion, Voice & Equity (THRIVE) is DEDF’s integrated approach, being developed to address the connected barriers that affect families’ health, livelihoods and participation in decisions.

A livelihood opportunity may remain out of reach when one person carries most of the unpaid care work. Health information may not lead to action when someone has little say in household decisions. A referral to a service may go unused when transport costs, accessibility concerns or a lack of trust prevent people from seeking support. THRIVE considers these connections while recognising that every household has different needs, strengths and circumstances.

The approach brings together practical learning, household discussions, support to find and access relevant services, and follow-up. It aims to support informed choices, a fairer sharing of care responsibilities and greater participation in decisions that affect family members’ lives.

Where similar barriers affect several households, their experiences with their consent and respect for their privacy can inform discussions with community leaders, service providers and relevant institutions. In this way, THRIVE connects support within households with efforts to improve the services, practices and policies that shape their opportunities.

The THRIVE Journey

Understanding Barriers, Creating Pathways

When similar barriers affect several households, DEDF uses the lessons learned to work with communities, service providers and relevant institutions to improve access and address gaps in support.

LISTEN

We listen to women and other household members to understand their priorities, strengths and challenges, making space for voices that are often overlooked.

MAP

We identify relevant services, programmes and opportunities, alongside barriers such as cost, distance, disability and care responsibilities that may limit access.

PLAN

We work with participants to identify realistic next steps based on their priorities and circumstances, with respect for individual choices and safety.

CONNECT

We share information about available support and facilitate connections or referrals where appropriate, working with relevant organisations and service providers.

ACT

Through practical learning and household dialogue, we encourage actions that strengthen participation, support shared care and improve access to opportunities.

LEARN

We gather feedback and review who benefits, who remains excluded and what barriers persist. We use these lessons to improve our activities and inform wider engagement.

Partnership Without Duplication

Working with Existing Services and Partners

DEDF seeks to build on existing community structures, services and public programmes. Before introducing an activity, we identify what is available, who can access it and where additional support is needed.

Map Before Acting

Identify organisations, public programmes and community networks already working in the area, and understand the support they provide.

Confirm the Gap

Listen to community members and consult relevant organisations to establish what is missing, insufficient or difficult to access, particularly for people facing greater barriers.

Agree How to Work Together

Explore how partners can address the identified gap, clarify responsibilities and determine where DEDF can make a useful contribution

Review and Adapt

Use community feedback and lessons from partners to assess whether the collaboration is useful, reaches those facing greater barriers and needs adjustment.

The THRIVE Model

What THRIVE Aims to Achieve

Transforming Households for Resilience, Inclusion, Voice & Equity (THRIVE) aims to address the household and wider barriers that affect health, economic opportunities and participation in decisions.

Resilience

Strengthening household capacity to absorb financial, health and other social pressures with greater stability.

Inclusion

Expanding fair access to services and opportunities for women, persons with disabilities and underserved groups.

Voice & Agency

Strengthening the ability of underserved household members to express priorities, make informed choices and influence decisions.

Equity

Recognising differences in barriers and adapting support to ensure fair consideration of diverse needs and circumstances.

The Pilot Phase

From a Promising Model to Useful Evidence.

We welcome organisations and individuals interested in helping to shape, test and learn from the pilot.

Learn More

Resilience, Inclusion, Voice & Equity

THRIVE

Resilience, Inclusion, Voice & Equity