Born in The Gambia in 1989, Jaha Dukureh’s journey from a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage to a global advocate for women’s rights is a testament to courage and determination. Dukureh, the daughter of a powerful imam, endured FGM as an infant, a practice deeply ingrained in her family and community. When Dukureh was 15, her family sent her to the United States to marry a man significantly older than her, where she suffered abuse and underwent corrective surgery to repair the damage from FGM.
Her life took a transformative turn in 2013, the same year she graduated from college, as she, determined to break the cycle of harm, founded Safe Hands for Girls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending FGM and child marriage and supporting survivors. The organization has grown into a significant force, providing a platform for advocacy and support in the fight against these harmful practices.
Dukureh’s activism gained international recognition when she launched a Change.org petition in 2014, calling on President Barack Obama to address FGM in the United States. Her efforts led to the 2016 Summit to End FGM at the United States Institute of Peace and contributed to federal legislation banning the transport of girls abroad for FGM procedures.
Back in The Gambia, Dukureh’s influence has been equally impactful. Through youth-led campaigns and mobilization, she played a pivotal role in the government’s decision to ban FGM. Her advocacy even reached her own family, successfully convincing her father not to subject his newborn daughter to the practice.
2018 saw the appointment of Dukureh as the first UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for Africa in recognition of her contributions. Her appointment has amplified her efforts to combat FGM and child marriage across the continent, with a focus on engaging youth in creating lasting change. Dukureh stated that they won’t have equality until girls are able to grow up controlling their own bodies and futures, stressing the importance of encouraging future generations.
Time Magazine named Dukureh one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2016 and New African Magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2017. The 2017 documentary Jaha’s Promise chronicled her life and work, providing a personal look at her fight against FGM.
In 2021, Dukureh declared her candidacy for the presidency of The Gambia, signaling her ambition to bring transformational change to her homeland. Although her campaign faced significant challenges, her bid highlighted her role as a leader and visionary for her country.
Dukureh continues to advocate for women and girls globally, using her platform to inspire action and policy reform. Her belief in the achievable goal of eradicating FGM within a single generation fuels her mission; her unwavering commitment and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for millions of women and girls, proving that a single voice can truly transform the world.
