Mafory Bangoura (also known as Hadja Aissatou and Hadja Maffire Bangura) was a legendary Guinean activist and politician. Born around 1910 in a family of underground farmers and fishermen, she played a key role in Guinea's independence movement through her activism and women's mobilization.
She was nicknamed the "Female President of Guinea" and organized a sex strike in 1954 to encourage men to join the struggle. After independence, she held important ministerial posts, becoming Minister of Social Affairs in 1971. A national icon, her portrait adorned the 1 syli bill in 1981, in recognition of her historic role in the liberation of Guinea.
Introduction
Hadja Aissatou Mafory Bangoura and Hadja Maffire Bangura, also known as "Mafory", is an emblematic figure in the history of Guinea. Born around 1910 in Guinea, this brave woman played a crucial role in the struggle for the independence of her country and subsequently held important positions in the post-independence government. Her portrait, nicknamed the "President of the Women of Guinea", adorned the bill of a syli issued in 1981, testifying to her importance in the history of Guinea.
Early life and Education
Mafory Bangoura was born into a family of farmers and fishermen belonging to the Sussou ethnicity. She did not have access to Western education in her youth, but learned to read and write in adulthood. In 1936, she moved to Conakry to work as a seamstress.
Political journey
Activism
In 1953, during the general strike to force the French government to comply with the code of overseas labour, Mafory Bangoura was invited by Ahmed Sékou Touré to mobilize women workers. She spoke at the meeting of the strike committee, becoming the first woman to be allowed to participate. During the 72 days of the strike, she delivered speeches and organized women's participation.
After the strike, Bangoura was elected chairman of the African Democratic Assembly Women's Committee (RDA). In 1954, at a RDA gathering, she encouraged women to go on a sex strike to encourage men to join the movement. She also encouraged women to sell their jewelry and clothing to support the DDR members financially.
During this period, Bangoura also organized a "people's militia" composed of women, who learned how to handle weapons and attack their enemies. This group, led by Bangoura and other nationalists such as Nabya Haidara, patrolled the Sandervalia district where Sékou Touré lived.
Prison
Bangoura's influence on the people of Guinea led the French colonial government to attempt to tarnish its reputation. Accused of sending an anti-French document to prison activists, she was sentenced to a fine of 70,000 francs and imprisoned in July 1955. However, hundreds of women protested against the decision, and she was released a month later, on 17 August.
Positions
After Guinea's independence, Mafory Bangoura held several important positions. She became a leader of the Democratic Party of Guinea (PDG) and an active activist for women's rights. In 1968, she was elected the first president of the Revolutionary Union of Women of Guinea. In 1971, she was appointed Minister of Social Affairs.
Death
Mafory Bangoura died in 1976 in Bucharest. President Sékou Touré wrote a short biography and described his funeral later in the year.
Honors
After his death, Mafory Bangoura received several honours in recognition of his historic role:
- Songs celebrating his life have been recorded by the label Syliphone, including the Syli Authentic Orchestra of Guinea and Emila Tompapa Syli.
- In 1983, a high school was named in his honour: the Hadja Mafory Bangoura College.
- In 1981, his portrait was printed on the bill of a syli.
- In 2018, it was mentioned in a speech by the prefect of Coyah, Dr. Ibrahima Barboza Soumah, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Guinea's independence.
- On March 2, 2019, prayers were made for Bangoura in the country's mosques as part of the International Women's Day in Guinea.
Conclusion
Mafory Bangoura will remain eternally engraved in Guinea's history as a pioneer in the struggle for independence and an unwavering defender of women's rights. Her courage, dedication and activism have made her a true national icon, whose legacy continues to inspire present and future generations. Her life and accomplishments testify to the strength and resilience of Guinea women, and her example will remain an inspiration for all those who fight for justice and equality.
