Hadja Aïcha Bah Diallo

Introduction

Hadja Aïcha Bah, born in 1942 in Kouroussa, Guinea, is an emblematic figure in the promotion of the education of girls and women in Africa. Thro her rich career, she has been an ardent advocate of equal opportunities in access to education, seen as an essential lever for the prosperity of individuals and the sustainable development of nations. Her exceptional career has made her a pioneer who has helped shape the future of many girls and women across the African continent.

Education

From an early age, Aïcha Bah was encouraged by her parents to excel in her studies. As she confesses, "I was the only girl born after three boys, and my parents told me, you have to be good at school, not second, but always first, because we know you can do it." This early motivation was decisive in her educational journey.

After successful primary and secondary education in Guinea, Aïcha Bah continued her higher education in the United States, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the Pennsylvania State University. Back in her home country, she received a postgraduate degree in biochemistry from Gamal Abdel Nasser University in Conakry.

Professional career

Strong in her scientific skills, Aïcha Bah began her career as a teacher, an experience that strengthened her vocation for education and her desire to contribute to the development of younger generations.

In 1984, after the death of Ahmed Sekou Touré, the new president, Lansana Conté, appointed her to a senior position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the beginning of her engagement in the public sphere.

Political career

In 1989, Aïcha Bah was appointed Minister of Education in Guinea, a position she held until 1996. During this crucial period, she implemented major reforms aimed at improving access to education for girls. Thanks to her efforts, the number of girls enrolled in Guinea's schools has doubled from 113,000 to 233,000.

International career

In 1992, Aïcha Bah contributed to the foundation of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a pioneering organization in the promotion of girls' education in Africa. This initiative was aimed at bringing women leaders from the continent together around a common cause: ensuring equal opportunities in access to education for girls.

Following her ministerial tenure in Guinea, Aïcha Bah continued her commitment to the international arena. In 2005, she participated in the establishment of the Association for the Enhancement of Higher Education for Women in Africa (ASHEWA), an initiative to promote women's access to higher education on the continent.

Aïcha Bah is a member of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Committee for the Good Governance and Leadership Award in Africa. This organization rewards African leaders who have distinguished themselves for their exemplary management and contribution to the development of their country.

UNESCO

From 1996 to 2005, Aïcha Bah held high-level positions at UNESCO, where she was appointed to improve education for women in the least developed countries. In 2005, she was appointed Special Adviser to the Director-General of UNESCO for Africa, a position she held until 2009.

At the same time, she sits on the NGO Liaison Committee, in partnership with UNESCO, and is a member of the Advisory Committee of the President of the Islamic Development Bank (ISB).

Activist

Beyond her official responsibilities, Aïcha Bah has established herself as a tireless activist for women's rights and education in Africa. She has multiplied speeches and advocates to raise awareness among the public and policymakers of the crucial importance of access to education for girls and women.

According to her, "Education for girls is the backbone of sustainable development." It also emphasizes the essential role of educated women in combating maternal mortality, child health, environmental protection and the promotion of peace and tolerance.

Prizes and Distinction

In recognition of her outstanding work, Aïcha Bah has received many prestigious awards, including:

• The Order of the Academic Palms (a French distinction)
• Officer of the Ivorian National Order
• Knight of the Guinean Order of Merit
• Medal of Honor for Labor of Guinea
• Nomination among the 100 Most Influential African Personalities in 2013 and 2014
• WISE Prize for Education in 2015 and 2017
• Grand officer of the national order of Kolatier in 2022

In addition, several private and public schools in Guinea and Senegal are named after him, testifying to the sustainable impact of his education efforts.

Conclusion

Aisha Bah’s exceptional career illustrates his unwavering dedication to the cause of the education of girls and women in Africa. Through her determination and inspiring leadership, she has helped to open up new perspectives for millions of girls across the continent.

Her commitment at all levels, whether as a minister, activist, or member of international organizations, has contributed to raising public awareness of the crucial importance of education as a vehicle for individual development and sustainable development for African nations.

Aïcha Bah will remain an emblematic figure in the struggle for equal opportunities in access to education, a battle she has fought with passion and dedication throughout her life. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to pursue this fundamental goal for the future of Africa and the world.