By Ony Soa Ratsifandrihamanana, Africa Regional Coordinator at the Coalition for Human Rights in Development
I’ve always wanted to work in human rights. I started as an idealistic law student, carrying tote bags to class, writing for the student newspaper, and quoting Marx without fully understanding him—much to the annoyance of those around me. Despite five years of learning that law doesn’t always equate to justice, I held on to my belief that human rights are pivotal to upholding equity and fairness in society. This belief has driven every step of my career, from my early days in civil society with Transparency International Initiative Madagascar to my time at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights. Now, as Africa Regional Coordinator at the Coalition for Human Rights in Development, I feel like I’ve come full circle.
Civil society at the AFDB Annual Meetings. May 2024, Nairobi.
After leaving Madagascar in 2021, I sought to get my foot in the field through a specialized Master’s program at the University of Oslo and by immersing myself in an international environment. At the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, I supported research groups and project leaders, helping to organize conferences, seminars, and courses that advanced the global human rights agenda. While I valued every moment there—and while I definitely miss the peaceful afternoons over the Oslo fjord—my heart has always been tied to the Global South, where I believe my work can have the most direct and meaningful impact.
This is why I was drawn to the Coalition. Its commitment to accompanying communities in determining their own development resonated with me, as my experience working with grassroots movements in Madagascar convinced me that change starts best from the ground up. Moreover, the Coalition’s emphasis on synergy and cross-learning is crucial in a world where communities are often marginalized while facing challenges that are global in nature. By bridging the gap between local realities and global advocacy, we can create a stronger, more united front in the fight for human rights.
The Coalition in Africa brings together a vibrant constituency of local NGOs, grassroots groups, civil society organizations and social movements, who each in their own ways work to ensure the voices of African communities are heard and respected in development processes. The first few months of my appointment have been a journey of discovery as I started to meet, converse with and learn from them. Working alongside such committed people is a privilege and a constant call for growth, whether we are discussing advocacy strategies, training to follow the money to justice or getting thrown out of a bank’s annual meeting venue for wearing T-shirts with messages. Our members and partners are the ones moving things forward on the ground; we in the secretariat fulfill a support role first and foremost. This is a new way to contribute for me, sometimes a challenging one; but I’m eager to continue finding my way.
Ultimately, my decision to join the Coalition was guided by a desire to return to my roots—both geographically and professionally. I am passionate about advancing human rights in the Global South, and I’m excited to be part of an organization that shares this mission. Together, I believe we can make a lasting impact, ensuring that development is not an unfair process, but a pathway to justice and dignity for all.