Jaha Dukureh is a renowned CEO and founder of Safe Hands for Girls—an organisation dedicated to providing support to African women and girls who have survived Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Jaha's Vision

Jaha Dukureh has a bold and inspiring vision for the future of women and girls around the world. Her vision centers on ensuring that all women and girls have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and reach their full potential. As a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) and a passionate advocate for women’s rights, Jaha knows just how vital this work is.

Jaha’s vision includes working to end the practice of FGM, empowering women through education and economic opportunities, and advocating for policies and laws that protect women’s rights. She believes that by working together and lifting up the voices of women and girls, we can create a world where gender equity and social justice are the norm rather than the exception.

 

Jaha's Mission

Jaha Dukureh’s mission is to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage in her native country, The Gambia and around the world. After surviving FGM herself as a child, Jaha became an activist and has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of girls and women. She stands for the freedom of choice and the power of education, believing that access to education is key in the fight against these harmful practices. She is an advocate for empowering women and girls to take control of their own lives and bodies. Jaha’s mission is to bring an end to these practices so that no girl will have to experience the same traumatic experiences she did. She is an inspiration and a true embodiment of strength and resilience.

Jaha's values

  • Human Dignity
  • Education
  • Woman Empowerment
  • Community upliftment

Jaha Dukureh has been present for over 10 years. Advocating for the end of FGM and Child Marriage

What Jaha Does

Having personally endured the harrowing experiences of FGM and forced child marriage, Dukureh passionately advocates for eradicating these practices in Africa, with a particular focus on UN Women's initiatives. Her work centers around mobilising youth and promoting awareness about the urgent need to end FGM and child marriage across the continent. By collaborating with women's organisations and civil society, Dukureh was pivotal in influencing the Gambian Government to outlaw FGM through effective youth mobilisation and campaigning in 2015. Her global leadership in this fight is highly regarded.

Prominent figure within the African community

Recognised as a prominent figure within the African community, Jaha Dukureh's influence extends beyond her commendable achievements. Her remarkable endeavors led to her inclusion in Time Magazine's esteemed list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2016, as well as New African Magazine's compilation of the 100 Most Influential Africans. Moreover, her relentless dedication to fostering positive change earned her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018—a testament to her profound impact.

Regenerative Agriculture

In addition to her advocacy work, Dukureh has embarked on a groundbreaking endeavour. In The Gambia, she initiated a regenerative agriculture program specifically tailored to empower women affected by FGM. By focusing on this holistic approach, she aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by these women and facilitate their path towards self-sufficiency and empowerment.

People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism Member

Notably, in 2021, Jaha Dukureh joined the People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), a significant step in her commitment to promoting social change. The PDOIS, a member of Coalition 2016 during the presidential election that year, serves as a platform for Dukureh to amplify her advocacy efforts and bring about tangible transformations in society.

Woman of Worth by L'Oréal Paris

Dukureh's relentless dedication and outstanding contributions have garnered widespread recognition. In 2015, she was honoured as a Woman of Worth by L'Oréal Paris, which awarded her organisation essential funding to expand its impact—a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of countless women and girls.