Fatoumata Diaraye Bah is a leading Guinean activist, born on December 19, 1992, in Banjul, The Gambia. Currently serving as the Secretary General of Amnesty International Guinea since 2022, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the fight for human rights, particularly women's rights in Guinea. As the founder of Women Hope Guinea, she actively works to promote women's leadership and political participation in her country.
Her dedication is also reflected through various significant roles, including her position as Women's Rights Ambassador for the Thierno and Mariam International Foundation since 2015, and more recently as the Vice-President of the Network of Women Human Rights Defenders in 2023. Known for her direct approach and impactful rhetoric, she is particularly recognized for her efforts to combat harmful traditional practices, forced and early marriages, and for advocating genuine recognition of women's rights beyond symbolic celebrations.
Introduction
Secretary General of Amnesty International Guinea since 2022, Fatoumata Diaraye Bah represents a new generation of dedicated leaders committed to human rights in West Africa. Her impactful work has made her a significant voice in the fight for women's rights and human rights more broadly.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 19, 1992, in Banjul, The Gambia, Fatoumata Diaraye Bah is the youngest of three children. Her father, a merchant, and her mother, a homemaker, raised her in an environment that would shape her character as a future activist.
Her educational journey began with the completion of her entrance certificate to the 7th grade in 2003. She attended several prestigious institutions for her secondary studies: Oumou Diaby School Complex in Cosa for her early secondary years, followed by the Bill Clinton School Complex in Koloma, and finally Saint Denis, where she obtained her BEPC (Basic Education Completion Certificate) in 2008. For high school, she studied at Saint Denis for 11th grade and later specialized in Social Sciences at Sophia Pôle, earning her baccalaureate in 2010.
Driven by her ambition, she pursued higher education at Mercure International University of Guinea, earning a Bachelor's degree in International Relations — a foundation for her future career in human rights advocacy.
The Beginning of Her Activism
Fatoumata Diaraye Bah's journey as a human rights defender officially began in 2013 when she joined Amnesty International Guinea. This significant experience marked the start of her unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and human rights.
A Committed Activist
Fatoumata's dedication to advocacy is evident through her active involvement in impactful initiatives. She founded Women Hope Guinea, an NGO dedicated to promoting women's leadership and political participation in Guinea. Her work focuses on addressing critical issues such as:
- Combating harmful traditional practices
- Fighting against early and forced marriages
- Defending the rights of widows
- Raising awareness of women's rights
- Battling gender-based violence
As an activist, she is known for her direct approach and clear vision of societal challenges. On International Women's Day, she made a lasting impression by advocating for the day to be a time of protest rather than mere celebration, emphasizing the need to "claim our rights" instead of simply "celebrating."
Awards and Recognitions
Fatoumata Diaraye Bah's dedication has earned her several notable recognitions:
- Nominated in the "Women's Engagement" category at the J Awards Guinea in 2018
- Appointed as an ambassador for women's rights by the Thierno and Mariam International Foundation in 2015
- Elected Vice-President of the Network of Women Human Rights Defenders in 2023
- Named an ambassador of the "Our Voices Count" initiative
Private Life
While highly active in the public sphere, Fatoumata Diaraye Bah maintains discretion regarding her personal life, preferring to highlight her work and advocacy efforts rather than her private affairs.
Conclusion
Fatoumata Diaraye Bah exemplifies a new generation of African activists who combine professional expertise with strong societal engagement. Her journey reflects the rise of powerful female leadership in West Africa, determined to advance human rights, particularly those of women. Through her work with Amnesty International Guinea and Women Hope Guinea, she continues to drive positive change in Guinean society, inspiring many young women to join the fight for equality and justice.
