Binta Ann, born in 1975 in Guinea, is a writer and activist known for her advocacy of women's and children's rights in West Africa. After studying modern literature in Guinea, tourism in France, and completing a master's degree in early childhood education in the United States, she founded the Fonbale Foundation in 2008, a humanitarian organization that fights against female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and all forms of gender-based violence.
Author of several works including "Awa the Little Beggar" (1998) and "Marriage by Package" (2004), she addresses crucial social themes in her writings such as female genital cutting and arranged marriages. Her work was recognized with the Franco-German Human Rights Prize in 2017 and the Woman of the Year Award 2018 in the social and humanitarian category in Guinea. Currently working as a democracy and governance specialist at USAID for Guinea and Sierra Leone, she continues her fight for women's empowerment and child protection while maintaining a family life as a mother of two children.
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Introduction
Binta Ann is a Guinean writer and activist born in 1975, distinguished by her tireless commitment to women's and children's rights. As founder of the humanitarian organization Fonbale, she dedicates her life to fighting against female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and all forms of gender-based violence.
Education and Training
Binta Ann's academic journey reflects her international vision and pursuit of excellence. After studying modern literature in Guinea, she continued her education in France, specializing in air tourism. Her path then led her to the United States, where she earned a master's degree in early childhood and elementary education in New Jersey. She also completed project management training in the same state, demonstrating her desire to acquire diverse skills in service of her commitments.
Professional Career
Her professional career began in the United States, where she taught at an American school in New Jersey. Upon returning to Guinea in late 2012, she continued teaching, first at the American International School of Conakry, then at the French Lycée of Conakry. She later transitioned to international development by joining the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Guinea and Sierra Leone, where she serves as a democracy and governance specialist while also being responsible for gender and youth issues.
Activist and Founder
In 2008, Binta Ann created the Fonbale Foundation (Binta Ann Foundation for Children and Women) in the United States, which was later registered in Guinea in 2011. This apolitical, non-profit humanitarian organization works on several fronts:
The fight against female genital mutilation
Prevention of child marriages
Combat against all forms of gender-based violence
Youth reintegration
AIDS prevention
Under her leadership, the foundation has developed numerous concrete initiatives, including:
Opening a free computer training center in Nongo
Implementing academic support programs
Organizing training and awareness workshops
Creating a library for pupils and students
Literary Work
Binta Ann's commitment is also expressed through her writings. Her first novel, "Awa the Little Beggar," published in 1998, was so successful that it was adapted into a film by UNICEF. Her works address crucial social themes such as female genital cutting, arranged marriages, and polygamy, reflecting her commitment to human rights.
Publications
Her literary work includes several major titles:
"Awa the Little Beggar" (1998)
"Marriage by Package" (2004)
"Why Must I Go to School" (2015)
"Why Must I Always Wash My Hands" (2015)
"Fatima Asks Questions" (2016)
"What Are Children's Rights?" (2016)
"Hygiene Rules for Children" (2017)
Awards and Recognition
Her work has been recognized with several prestigious distinctions:
Franco-German Human Rights Prize in 2017
Gnouma Magazine Woman of the Year Award 2018 in the social and humanitarian category in Guinea
Private Life
Despite her intense public engagement, Binta Ann maintains a balance between professional and personal life. She is married and mother to two children, demonstrating that it's possible to reconcile social commitment with family life.
Conclusion
Binta Ann embodies the example of a modern African woman who puts her education, experience, and determination in service of the most vulnerable. Her journey demonstrates the possibility of transforming difficult personal experiences into a force for positive social change. Through her foundation, writings, and activism, she continues to work for a more just and equitable society, particularly for women and children in West Africa.
Note: Since this person appears to be relatively obscure, while I've aimed to translate accurately, you may want to verify these specific details independently.