Makèmè Konaté, born on July 22, 2003, in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), is a young Guinean activist recognized as the youngest writer in her country at the age of 17. A committed feminist and children's rights advocate, she founded the Circle of Resilient and Free Young Girls of Guinea (CeJeFi-BaLiG) and established Espace-Elles, a support center for girls in need. Her early activism began at the age of 13 when she hosted a radio show on children's rights in Kankan.
A law student at General Lansana Conté University, Makèmè holds multiple responsibilities as the coordinator of the African Women Awards, Water Ambassador for the NGO Tinkisso, and director of the Women and Challenge platform. She has received numerous awards, including the "Inspiring Youth" award in Belgium in 2020. Makèmè has established herself as a key figure in women's activism in West Africa, fighting against forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and advocating for access to education.
Introduction
Makèmè Konaté, a prominent figure of engaged African youth, embodies the renewal of women's activism in Guinea. Born on July 22, 2003, in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), she emerged at just 17 as Guinea's youngest writer while building an impressive path of activism for women's and children's rights.
Earlier Life and Education
Raised in a family where her mother was a trader and her father a teacher, Makèmè began her education at the Christian school La Semence in Abidjan. Her return to Guinea marked the start of a diverse and rich academic journey: she attended Saint-Jean-de-Bordeaux School in Kankan and continued her secondary education at Simbaya High School in the capital, Conakry.
A brilliant student, she obtained her baccalaureate with honors, granting her access to the prestigious Faculty of Political and Legal Sciences at General Lansana Conté University. Alongside her law studies, Makèmè cultivated a versatile profile through training in women's leadership, entrepreneurship, communication, and the challenges of illegal migration.
Early and Determined Activism
What truly sets Makèmè Konaté apart is the exceptional precocity of her activism. At only 13, while most teenagers are still exploring their interests, she was already hosting a radio show on MILO FM in Kankan. Titled "Children's Rights and Duties," this platform allowed her to address critical issues like early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, school dropout, and the abuse of young girls.
"Being one of the victims, knowing the consequences, not fighting against this practice would be an injustice!"
This powerful statement reflects the personal motivations driving her activism. Having faced the challenges that many young Guinean girls experience, Makèmè transforms her experience into a driving force for change.
Founding CeJeFi-BaLiG
Building on her experience with the Young Girls' Leaders Club of Guinea, Makèmè took a decisive step by founding the Circle of Resilient and Free Young Girls of Guinea (CeJeFi-BaLiG). Rooted in her personal experiences, this organization quickly became a key player in the fight for the emancipation of Guinean women.
Concrete results soon followed: with her team, she successfully canceled several early and forced marriages across the country. Her commitment goes beyond mere awareness—she takes action by enrolling five underprivileged children in a private school in Conakry, demonstrating her belief that education is a crucial tool for empowerment.
Espace-Elles
In 2020, Makèmè expanded her impact by creating Espace-Elles, a shelter and listening center dedicated to girls in Guinea. This innovative structure provides a secure space where young women can find guidance, support, and solutions to the challenges they face.
This project reflects her holistic vision and a deep understanding of the specific needs of women in the Guinean context. Beyond denouncing injustices, Makèmè strives to develop practical, accessible solutions.
National and International Recognition
Makèmè Konaté's dynamism and dedication quickly earned her recognition beyond Guinea’s borders. She holds several prestigious positions:
- Water Ambassador at the NGO Tinkisso
- Ambassador of Excellence in Female Leadership
- Director of the Women and Challenge platform
- Coordinator of the African Women's Awards event
This last role is particularly symbolic, as it allows her to celebrate and highlight the contributions of African women in various fields, creating a virtuous circle of inspiration and motivation.
A Pen for the Feminine Cause
In 2021, Makèmè added another accomplishment to her list by publishing "Vagues de vers" ("Waves of Verses"), confirming her status as Guinea's youngest writer. This literary work represents yet another facet of her struggle, using art and poetry to raise awareness and express the lived realities of Guinean women.
Awards and Recognition
Makèmè Konaté's remarkable journey has been marked by numerous accolades:
- 2020: Winner of the "Inspiring Youth" award in Belgium (Empowering Women International)
- 2020: Winner of the "Master of Speech" contest organized by IOM-Guinea
- 2019: Preselected among the top 50 youth changing Guinea during the J-Awards
- 2019: Named among the top 5 female activists in Guinea (Firawa Group Communication)
- 2017: At just 14, recognized as the youngest journalist in Kankan and received a month-long journalism training
An Inspiring Model for African Youth
At just 20, Makèmè Konaté has already established herself as a key figure of feminism and activism in West Africa. Her journey shows that it is possible, even at a young age and against deeply rooted traditions, to drive significant social change.
What sets her approach apart is her ability to combine awareness, concrete action, and the creation of dedicated spaces. She doesn't just denounce injustices—she builds structures that enable young girls to thrive.
A Promising Future
With her ongoing law studies and growing influence on national and international stages, Makèmè Konaté represents the future of female leadership in Guinea and beyond. Her holistic vision, combining education, economic empowerment, and the fight against gender-based violence, is a groundbreaking approach to development.
In a continent where 60% of the population is under 25, Makèmè embodies the transformative potential of African youth when guided by strong values and a deep commitment to social justice.
Conclusion
Makèmè Konaté's journey reminds us that age is not a barrier to meaningful action. Through her courage, determination, and ability to turn personal challenges into opportunities for collective change, she paves the way for future generations of female leaders in Africa.
Her story teaches us that true leadership often emerges from a desire to address the issues we have personally faced and that authentic commitment, fueled by personal experience, holds unparalleled transformative power. By continuing to build bridges between tradition and modernity, between local and global, Makèmè Konaté asserts herself as a social change architect in Guinea and an inspiration far beyond her country's borders.
