Charlize Theron explains how her nonprofit CTAOP is changing the lives of Africans

In 2007, Charlize Theron launched her eponymous nonprofit, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, with a mission as focused as it was ambitious: to bring HIV information and prevention to a continent where both were tragically scarce. But in recent years, CTAOP’s scope has expanded dramatically, with the organization partnering with other African NGOs to promote vaccine equity, expand educational opportunities, and combat gender-based violence.

Theron, who was born in South Africa, participated in a Zoom call with THR She spoke about her organization’s successes and challenges (you don’t become a change agent overnight) and her goals for the future. But she didn’t come alone. She also invited two colleagues to join the conversation: Neo Mohajane, program director at HIVSA, an AIDS-focused nonprofit that often partners with CTAOP; and Miche Williams, 24, an alumna of Brave Rock Girl, a CTAOP partner program that provides safe spaces for young women in Manenberg, one of South Africa’s most dangerous townships.

Charlize, why was it important for you to include Neo and Miche in this call?

CHARLIZE THERON Because it’s important to me [that we be] Authentic storytellers. When we started CTAOP, we needed to get a message across, but it was outdated to think that one person could deliver that message and get it out there. That’s something we wanted to change early on. So when I meet these incredible women and get to know them through working with their programs, I rely on them to help me tell the story. Today, we gave them the opportunity to tell their story and the truth of their story.

OK, so Neo, tell us your story. How has CTAOP influenced your AIDS activism work in Africa?

Neo-Mohajane I usually avoid the word “empower”—people use it loosely to cover a multitude of sins—but I’ll say it here. The relationship with CTAOP has been so rewarding. It’s allowed us to do things we only dreamed of, things we wondered if we could do. They’ve been with us every step of the way to launch. Burn itCharlize was there and said to me, “I see your vision and I believe in what you’re trying to do.” We often joke at HIVSA that there must be something in the water that their entire team drinks, because you get that exact same feeling from everyone who works at CTAOP. You get a sense of someone who truly believes in your abilities and truly believes that if you need a boost, if you need a hand to help you walk down the road, if you even need a hug, it’s all there.

Can you explain? Burn it a little bit? I know it’s one of HIVSA’s big initiatives.

MOHAJANE Burn it is an online magazine that provides health information to girls and young women. Young women don’t necessarily actively seek out health information unless they are struggling. But they will seek…