FGM campaigner honoured with Time magazine title

A women's rights activist who campaigns to end female genital mutilation (FGM) has been named one of TIME Magazine's Women of the Year.

Fatou Baldeh MBE said it was an honour to be surrounded by other "incredible women breaking glass ceilings", at the West Hollywood gala.

The founder and CEO of Women in Liberation and Leadership and University of Wolverhampton graduate used the event to raise awareness of FGM.

"I was extremely proud to have had this platform to stress the need for the world to think about the over 230 million girls around the world who are at risk of being mutilated in the name of culture and tradition," she said.

Ms Baldeh, who studied psychology and health in Wolverhampton, added: "This recognition is so meaningful.

"I believe in the power of role models especially for young girls and women and this honour sends a powerful message to girls, particularly those from [my] background, that it is 'okay to speak up against injustice'."

Ms Baldeh was born in Gambia and experienced FGM herself when she was aged seven.

She previously told the BBC: "I was blindfolded and some people held my hands.

"I remember I was screaming for my mum and grandmother to help me, but no one did."

Now, the significance of her work and impact to society has been recognised by former US President Barack Obama who directly acknowledged her leadership via a post on X, saying, "This International Women's Day, I'm celebrating leaders like Ms Baldeh".

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