This week in our Social Justice Corner we are highlighting National Women's History Month with renowned social activist Jaha Dukureh!
Identity: Jaha Dukureh is an activist that is proudly against female gentile mutilation in Gambia and all over the world. She has developed a nonprofit organization called “Safe Hands for Girls”. This program girls is to help young that are facing or at risk of FGM.
Life:
Dukureh’s journey began in Gambia. She faced a tragedy at a young age. Her mother died after giving birth to her which caused her to face female genital mutilation after a few months of being born. At the young age of 15 years old, she was married off to a much older man which eventually ended in divorce. Dukureh later relocated to New York city where she resided with family members that supported her through her endeavors. Dukureh later moved from New York to Georgia. During that time, she received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration management from Georgia Southwestern State University; She also received her master’s degree in Non-Profit Management from The University of Central Florida in 2018. Throughout her career she has strived to bring awareness and an end to female genital mutilation.
Impact:
Dukureh’s strive for excellence did not stop at her master’s degree. The national campaign against female genital mutilation, which was largely supported by Dukureh’s efforts, led to its ban in Gambia in 2015. Through her schooling at Georgia Southwestern State University, she started up a non-profit organization called “Safe Hands for Girls”. She is a major contributor to the Obama administration's research into the issue of female genital mutilation in the United States in 2014, as well as the subsequent summit to end female genital mutilation on December 2, 2016, at the United States Institute of Peace, thanks to a successful change.org petition.
