Fatima Zohra Karadja

Who is Fatima Zohra Karadja?

Fatima Zohra Karadja is a Vice-President for the African Union's Economic, Social and Cultural Council for Northern Africa.

Ms Karadja was born on April 20, 1949 in Algiers, Algeria. She is a child therapist, holding a PhD in psychology and specialising in working with children affected by trauma. As a member of the African Women Committee for Peace and Development, she has actively engaged civil society organisations in Algeria.

She established a national network of local NGOs for sensitisation and the dissemination of information on sustainable development and peace building, and a coordinating body, comprising six organisations and six prominent Algerian women, to promote the different mandates of the AWCPD. She is also in constant communication with her President for his support of AWCPD objectives and activities.

Ms Karadja is the President of the Association Nationale de Soutien aux Enfants en Difficulté en Institution. ANSEDI has created a psychological and social care unit which provides basic necessities and psychological treatment to victims of violence. The unit focuses on women, especially single mothers, by working to prepare them for their parental role. ANSEDI also facilitates training sessions for women from opposing factions to come together for sensitisation and dialogue on human rights. In collaboration with other organisations, ANSEDI is formulating a strategy to fight against social exclusion by involving at-risk populations in community activities.