Hadja Idrissa Bah (born August 23, 1999 in Conakry) is a Guinean activist. She is the eldest of a brotherhood of 10 children and was very early in the defence of women's and children's rights.
Founding president of the Guinean Women’s Leader Club, an influential member of the French-speaking West African Youth Feminist Network and EQUIPOP, Hadja Idy uses her powerful voice to denounce human rights violations such as female genital mutilation.
Her inspiring career, endowed with prestigious awards, makes her a model of success for the new generation of African women.
Introduction
Hadja Idrissa Bah (born August 23, 1999 in Conakry, Guinea) is a young Guinean activist who stands out for her unwavering commitment to the defence of women's and children's rights.
Founding president of the Guinean Women’s Leader Club, member of the French-speaking West Africa Youth Feminists Network and EQUIPOP, Hadja Idy is a true force of nature that continues to inspire younger generations.
Education
Hadja Idy was the eldest of a ten-child family, from a modest background with a business father and a housewife, and completed her secondary studies at St. George's High School in Conakry.
After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she continued her studies for one year at the Lansana Conté General University in political sciences before enrolling in law at the Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, thus testifying to her insatiable thirst for knowledge and her ambition to forge a promising future.
professionnal career
At the age of 13, Hadja Idy joined the children's parliament of the Ratoma municipality, marking his first steps in activism and the defence of the rights of the most vulnerable.
Her engagement enabled her to be elected President of the Guinean Children's Parliament from 2016 to 2021, where she has consistently advocated respect for the rights of Guinean children, strongly denouncing the violations of which they are victims.
In addition to her role as a spokesperson for children, Hadja Idy has served as Secretary General and President of Leo Club Conakry Djoliba, reinforcing her involvement in associative life and her desire for social change.
Activism
One of Hadja Idy’s flagship struggles is the fight against excision, a traditional harmful practice that continues to affect many young girls in Guinea.
With unwavering determination, it denounces the false religious beliefs that perpetuate this violation of human rights, calling for strict enforcement of the law to put an end to this practice.
In 2016, Hadja Idy founded the Guinean Leading Girls Club, an organization to promote women’s leadership and empower Guinean girls.
Through this initiative, it provides a safe space where young women can express themselves, thrive and acquire the skills to become actors of change in their communities.
International meetings and recognition
Hadja Idy's remarkable career earned him international recognition. In 2019, she represented Guinea at LabCitoyen, a programme of the French Institute that brings together French-speaking youth from around the world around the theme "Women's Rights: Equality and Citizenship".
On March 2, 2020, she was invited to a lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss women's rights, alongside influential personalities such as UN Women's Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and Syrian novelist Samar Yazbek.
At the international level, Hadja Idy established itself in 2018 by becoming the Communication and Foreign Affairs Officer of the AfriYan Network and a member of the French-speaking West Africa Youth Feminist Network.
As a member of the Board of Directors of Equipop France, she campaigns on behalf of young Africans in major instances such as the G7 in Biarritz and Women7, sharing her voice and experience with thousands of people from all over the world.
Awards and Recognition
Hadja Idrissa Bah’s exceptional commitment has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, she was recognised by the United States Embassy in Guinea and attended a youth African Leadership Training (PAYLP) in the US.
In 2019, she received the French Senate Women's Rights Delegation Award and was the winner of the J Awards of Guinea in the category "Female Leadership".
Finally, in 2023, the Guinean Women’s Leader Club, which she chairs, was honoured with the prestigious Normandy Region Freedom Award, thereby rewarding Hadja Idy’s tireless efforts to empower young women.
Conclusion
Hadja Idrissa Bah is a true inspiration for present and future generations. His exemplary journey, marked by challenges overcome and victories achieved, testifies to his tenacity, courage and determination to move the lines.
Through her fierce activism, she has succeeded in bringing the voice of women and children to the international scene, thus becoming a model of success and commitment for all young girls who aspire to a better future.
Hadja Idy embodies the hope of a more just and equitable world, where everyone, regardless of gender or origin, can realize their full potential.
