Didi is an independent consultant and trainer specialising in the capacity building of NGOs and civil society, and the impact on civil society of counter terrorism measures (CTMs) since 9/11. She is also experienced in designing and delivering projects to support the development of effective state regulation which is supportive of civil society.

The main focus of Didi’s working life has been in the Middle East. She lived in Beirut in the early 1980s, where she worked as a teacher and learnt Arabic. Later, having gained an MSc in Development Studies at SOAS, she joined Save the Children UK where she spent many years working on their Middle East programmes, including time as Regional Programme Co-ordinator based in Cairo.

From 2004 until 2009, Didi worked as Regional Manager for the Gulf and Middle East within the Charity Commission’s International Programme, which works to improve the quality of NGO regulation internationally. Didi designed and delivered bi-lateral, technical assistance projects aimed at building the capacity of Arab Government regulators. Through this role, she deepened her understanding of this complex region and the considerable impact on its freedoms - including those enjoyed by civil society – made by international CTMs.

More recently, Didi has managed projects funded by the UK Department of Communities and Local Government under the “Preventing Violent Extremism” agenda in Plymouth. Working with local Muslim communities, she has led training to raise awareness of violent extremism, including exploring myths and misunderstandings about Islam, giving her a unique insight into this new and sensitive area of Government policy. She recently drew on this experience to lead sessions with INTRAC’s 2010 Chevening scholar group on the impact of CTMs on civil society and international counter terrorism and counter radicalisation policy.

Didi has a strong interest in Islamic arts and culture and speaks Arabic, French and Chinese.