Jaha Dukureh

Photo credit: David Parks Photography

2018 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and GSW alumna, speaks at annual lecture series on GSW’s campus

Jaha Dukureh, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and GSW alumna, delivered the annual Griffin Bell Convocation and Distinguished Lecture at GSW on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 during Presidential Investiture Week.

Earlier this year, Dukureh was nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her work towards ending female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage in her home country of The Gambia in West Africa and across the world. Dukureh was herself a victim of FGM at just one week old. Her arranged marriage to an unknown older man at age 15 brought her to New York City. After two months, Dukureh was able to leave her husband and continue her education in the U.S., where she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2015.

Dukureh earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management online at GSW in 2013. That same year, she founded the non-profit organization Safe Hands for Girls, which provides support for survivors of FGM and advocates for an end to FGM practices. She was then part of the movement that successfully banned FGM in The Gambia in 2015, a journey chronicled in the 2017 documentary “Jaha’s Promise.”

“We are extremely honored to have Jaha on campus to share her experiences with activism and her thoughts on leadership,” said GSW President Neal Weaver in the introduction.

During her lecture, Jaha told GSW students, “You are never too young to make a difference. If you see something wrong in this world, stand up for it. It’s our responsibility to make sure we don’t pass this along to the next generation. My biggest advice to you is to believe in yourself and use your voice.”

Jaha went on to thank GSW for allowing her the opportunity to come and share her story, and America for giving her a place to call home. “Because of this country, I was able to get an education. This country allowed me to be brave and think for myself.”

Following the Convocation, Jaha had a private meeting with fellow GSW alums, former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

The Bell Lecture Series, which brings notable individuals and outstanding alumni to campus to share their experiences, is made possible through a gift from the late Griffin B. Bell, GSW alumnus and former U.S. attorney general.

While on campus, Jaha met with fellow GSW alums former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.