Fatou Baldeh MBE, a leading women’s rights activist fighting to end female genital mutilation (FGM), has been recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year for 2024.
Baldeh, the founder and CEO of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), attended the prestigious TIME Women of the Year gala in West Hollywood, where she stood alongside a group of influential women breaking barriers worldwide.
A Voice for Millions of At-Risk Girls
At the event, Baldeh used her platform to highlight the urgent need to address FGM, a practice that continues to impact millions of girls globally.
“I was extremely proud to have had this platform to stress the need for the world to think about the over 230 million girls around the world who are at risk of being mutilated in the name of culture and tradition,” Baldeh told the BBC.
Born in The Gambia, Baldeh personally experienced FGM at the age of seven. She has since dedicated her career to supporting survivors and advocating for the eradication of the practice.
Reflecting on the honor, Baldeh, a University of Wolverhampton graduate, said:
“This recognition is so meaningful. I believe in the power of role models, especially for young girls and women. This honour sends a powerful message to girls, particularly those from my background, that it is ‘okay to speak up against injustice.’”
Baldeh’s impact has drawn global recognition, with former U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledging her work in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“This International Women’s Day, I’m celebrating leaders like Ms. Baldeh,” Obama wrote.
A Global Movement for Change
FGM remains a major human rights issue, with millions of girls at risk annually.
Through her organization WILL, Baldeh continues to provide education, support, and advocacy to end this practice.
Her recognition as a TIME Woman of the Year solidifies her role as a key figure in the global fight against gender-based violence.
