One such remarkable woman is Dr Fatou Baldeh, whose unwavering commitment to women’s rights, gender equality, and the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has earned her global recognition. Her journey is one of resilience, courage, and an unyielding determination to protect and empower women and girls across The Gambia and beyond.
Dr Baldeh’s impact spans from grassroots advocacy to international policy influence, proving that one woman’s voice can inspire change, challenge harmful traditions, and shape a more just world. As we reflect on the achievements of women this month, her story stands as a testament to the power of dedication, education, and activism in creating a future where all women and girls can live with dignity and freedom.
Dr Baldeh’s journey is one of courage, perseverance, and impact. After pursuing higher education in the UK earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health from the University of Wolverhampton and a Master’s in Sexual and Reproductive Health from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, she returned home in 2018 to spearhead change. She founded Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), an organization dedicated to addressing gender injustice, particularly tackling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice she personally endured as a child.
Her relentless advocacy has not only raised awareness about the devastating consequences of FGM but has also influenced policies to safeguard the rights and dignity of African women and girls, both in The Gambia and the UK.
Dr Baldeh’s remarkable contributions have earned her global recognition, including being named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2020 for her service to migrant women in Scotland. In 2024, she received the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award and the Geneva Summit Women’s Rights Award, recognizing her fearless leadership in fighting for human dignity.
Most recently, in March 2025, she was honored as one of TIME’s 2025 Women of the Year, a prestigious acknowledgment of her trailblazing advocacy. Her impact has been further recognised by former U.S. President Barack Obama, who applauded her relentless efforts in ending FGM, and Harvard University, which named her among the 25 Extraordinary Women in the World a distinction she shares with influential figures such as Iceland’s President and philanthropist Melinda French Gates.
Beyond activism, Dr Baldeh continues her academic and research pursuits. She is currently a PhD candidate at Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK and a Research Fellow at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She also plays a key role in the NIHR Global Health Research Group on Digital Diagnostics for African Health Systems, engaging with stakeholders to improve healthcare solutions across Africa.
Amid her many achievements, Dr Baldeh is also a devoted wife and mother of four boys balancing personal and professional life with grace. Her unwavering resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to women and girls worldwide, proving that one voice, fueled by determination and purpose, can ignite lasting change.
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