Jaha Dukureh’s life is a powerful testament to how personal pain can be transformed into purpose, leadership, and lasting social change.

Born in The Gambia, Jaha experienced female genital mutilation (FGM) at a very young age and was later subjected to a forced marriage as a teenager. What could have silenced her instead became the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to protecting girls and women from harmful traditional practices.

After moving to the United States, Jaha found her voice. She began speaking openly about her experiences, breaking cultural taboos that had long kept many women silent. Her courage resonated globally, and she emerged as one of the most visible and influential advocates against FGM and child marriage. Rather than positioning herself only as a survivor, Jaha stepped into the role of a changemaker—one who challenges systems, policies, and deeply rooted social norms.

Jaha is the founder of Safe Hands for Girls, an organization dedicated to ending FGM and supporting survivors through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Through this platform, she has worked directly with grassroots communities, religious leaders, policymakers, and international organizations to promote cultural change from within, not through condemnation but through dialogue and empowerment.

Her advocacy has reached the highest levels of global leadership. Jaha has addressed the United Nations, advised governments, and collaborated with international bodies to strengthen laws and policies protecting girls.

In a historic milestone, she played a key role in The Gambia’s 2015 ban on FGM, demonstrating how survivor-led activism can influence national policy and protect millions of girls.Jaha Dukureh’s impact has been widely recognized. She has been named among the world’s most influential women by global platforms and continues to be a sought-after voice in human rights, gender justice, and youth leadership spaces.

Yet, her success is not only measured by awards or recognition, but by the growing number of girls who are spared harmful practices and the communities that are learning to choose dignity over tradition.

Her story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment. Jaha Dukureh shows that success is not merely personal achievement, but the ability to create change that outlives you. She stands as a symbol of hope for women and girls across Africa and the world—proof that one voice, once silenced, can rise to protect millions.