Human Rights Defenders
of the Month
Every month, DefendDefenders profiles a human rights defender (HRD) from the East and Horn of Africa sub-region to raise awareness about the outstanding work conducted by HRDs.
Featured Defender
Human Rights Defender of the month: Hadiza Malumfashi
"On the night of 14 April 2014, dozens of Boko Haram fighters stormed a girls’ school dormitory in Chibok, a small Christian enclave in northern Nigeria. 276 schoolgirls, most of them between the ages ..."
Recent Defenders
Honoring the brave individuals who stand for justice in our region
Human Rights Defender of the month: Suleiman Mujuni Baitani
"Sulieman Mujuni Baitani – Zanzibar National Coordinator | Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC). Sulieman Mujuni Baitani is a committed human rights defender whose portfolio includes..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Esther Tawiah
"Esther Tawiah is a Ghanaian woman human rights defender (WHRD) and passionate advocate for gender equality, governance, and women’s political participation. Over the years, she has dedicated her work ..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Musa Gassama
"“When you plant a seed, you have the faith that it will grow. I left, but I had the faith that this network would grow, and its growth has exceeded my expectations.” ..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Fatou Jagne Senghor
"“It’s tough to be a woman human rights defender,” she says. “Even within the movement, there are biases. Women who dare to speak boldly are often dismissed unless they are brave and determined.” ..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: David Kaggwa
"“I have seen thousands of people benefit from the grants and protection provided by DefendDefenders. Through my legal advisory role on the board, I’m able to give back to society by contributing to th..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Pacifique Nininahazwe
"“I came to know DefendDefenders during the second half of 2009. In November that year, they supported my evacuation and temporary relocation abroad. It was a very difficult period for FORSC and for me..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Dr. Zahara Nampewo
"Dr. Zahara Nampewo is a prominent Ugandan human rights lawyer, academic, and gender justice advocate with over two decades of experience in legal education, public interest litigation, and social just..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Andrews Kananga
"Andrews Kananga’s long-standing relationship with DefendDefenders began in 2009, when he met Executive Director Hassan Shire and was invited to his first strategic meeting in Kampala, Uganda. That mee..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Margaret Sekaggya
"Margaret Sekaggya’s legacy as a champion of human rights in Uganda is deeply intertwined with the country’s journey toward justice and equality for all. In 2005, she was the Chief Guest at DefendDefen..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Osman Hummaida – POSTHUMOUS
"Osman Hummaida, born in 1960, emerged as a fearless human rights defender in this challenging environment, dedicating his life to exposing human rights violations and seeking justice for victims. His ..."
Human Rights Defender of the month: Somaia Musa Adam Haran
"Somaia was born and raised in Dito village in Gereida locality, South Darfur State, Sudan—a community where socio-cultural norms often dictate the lives of young girls. These norms allow parents to ma..."