Standing on the Frontlines for Justice: Maria Kaddu and CHARM’s Journey 

Maria Kaddu, CHARM Coordinator, has always been driven by a deep commitment to gender justice and human rights. With a background in law, she found CHARM not just an organisation, but a platform where she could stand on the frontlines of change, advocating for rights, protection, and justice across the region. 

“CHARM gave me the space to push for change where it matters most. To be close to the people, the struggles, and the solutions.” Maria Kaddu, CHARM Coordinator, reflects. 

This work, however, is unfolding in an increasingly difficult environment. Civic space across the region continues to shrink, marked by growing media and digital surveillance, repression, restrictive legislation targeting civil society organisations, and a steadily shrinking funding basket. Resources remain limited, even as the risks faced by human rights defenders (HRDs) grow more complex. 

Despite these challenges, CHARM has recorded significant achievements. The consortium has contributed to the development of policies that have been acknowledged at national, regional, and international levels. Through strategic advocacy with diverse partners, CHARM has helped shape resolutions protecting women human rights defenders and environmental defenders and addressing violence against women and girls.

One of CHARM’s notable milestones includes supporting the repeal of criminal defamation laws in Malawi, an important step toward strengthening freedom of expression. In Rwanda, CHARM supported the Kigali Declaration, a landmark move in advancing protection for women in the media against sexual harassment. 

Innovation has also been central to CHARM’s work. Through hackathons, the consortium has launched digital tools such as Fahamu Haki Zako and AfricLegal, expanding access to legal information and empowering communities to know and claim their rights. 

At the heart of CHARM’s mission is the protection of those on the frontlines. Human rights defenders face constant threats yet often remain unseen.  

“HRDs face enormous risks, but there are people working quietly in the background to protect them. If we did not have them, the world would go silent. There would be very few people speaking about rights.” Maria Kaddu, Coordinator, CHARM. 

Working closely with beneficiaries has fundamentally shaped CHARM’s approach.  

“They are not just beneficiaries; they are the solutions the continent needs. Once you give people the right tools, they come up with workable solutions to address the challenges they face in their own countries.” Maria Kaddu, Coordinator, CHARM. 

Capacity building remains a cornerstone of the consortium’s strategy. By strengthening the skills of beneficiaries and partners, CHARM fosters courage, independence, and resilience.  

“You see people grow confident, protect themselves, and then go on to build the capacity of others, all the way down to the grassroots. Even beyond the programme cycle, that knowledge continues to cascade within communities.” Maria Kaddu, Coordinator, CHARM. 

CHARM also promotes collaboration across disciplines, bringing together journalists, poets, environmental human rights defenders, and other experts to exchange knowledge and build stronger networks. While working with diverse partners comes with challenges, especially under heightened surveillance and evolving AI-related risks, the commitment to collective action remains strong. 

Looking ahead, Maria envisions a future rooted in sustainability and empowerment. “We want to see communities empowered to do their best work, HRDs safe and protected, innovation driven by youth, and strong partnerships. We want CHARM to be the consortium people look to for leadership in human rights defender protection and media freedom.” Maria Kaddu, Coordinator, CHARM.