Aichatou Lassane Zerma holds a master's degree in Theory and Practice of Human Rights from Institute of Human Rights in Lyon.  Aichatou is one of the youngest practitioners in Niger active in countering violent extremism (CVE) program management and engaged in networking with other young Africans to raise awareness and counter violent extremism. Aichatou managed the National Endowment for Democracy-funded countering violent extremism program implemented in collaboration with National Democratic Institute and HACP. She conducted field activities in Northern Tillaberi and Agadez. Her interest in peace and countering violent extremist stems from her education and background in conflict prevention and mitigation. Since 2018, Aichatou has been an active member of ADEPE/F Espoir, an organization that works in the promotion and protection of women and children's rights. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Preventing Radicalization and Violent Extremism

The project raised students’ awareness on radicalization and preventing violent extremist organizations' influence and recruitment among students in eight universities. Coordinated by the National Coordination Center for Early Warning and Security Risk Response Mechanism in collaboration with the Niger Students Union, the project specifically supported activities in the Tillaberi region’s university and reached 400 students and 20 faculty and administrative staff. A conference featuring local and regional experts was organized that included an open debate on radicalization, and sessions on violent extremist organizations' recruitment tactics and countering disinformation and misinformation.

"The themes were well chosen because they fit with the contemporary context in which we live. The speakers were experts of great eloquence, which obviously allowed us to be well edified and made us ambassadors in the fight against misinformation, strategies of recruitment of youth, violent extremism and radicalization." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience

Aichatou participated in the IVLP Project Countering Violent Extremism - Community Strategies, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center in partnership with Global Ties Detroit, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles and International Institute of Wisconsin.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Detroit, MI; Madison, WI

Country: Niger

Click here to go back to the IVLP Impact Awards Main page