Alumna and honorary graduate named one of TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year 2025

University of Wolverhampton alumna and honorary graduate Fatou Baldeh MBE has been named one of TIME Magazine’s Women of the Year for 2025, an honour she describes as being “extremely proud” and a moment that truly sunk in when surrounded by ‘incredible women breaking glass ceilings’ at the West Hollywood gala.

Fatou, who studied BSc (Hons) Psychology and Health Studies at the Wolverhampton City Campus between 2005-2009, used the gala dinner as a platform to raise awareness about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), highlighting the 230 million girls worldwide at risk. “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, Fatou 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 her background, that it is ‘okay to speak up against injustice’.” The recognition amplifies her advocacy against FGM, providing a global platform to reach wider audiences.

This prestigious accolade follows Fatou’s honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, her Alma Mater, in 2024. Reflecting on this honour, she expressed heartfelt gratitude. “I am deeply honoured to be an alumna of the University of Wolverhampton, where my academic journey started.” Fatou added: “The personal significance of her degree, a milestone her late father witnessed with immense pride, as she was the first in her family to access higher education. The honorary doctorate sparked widespread celebration, with ‘congratulatory messages across all segments of the community and country’, and extensive coverage in national media. “This recognition will forever remain one of my proudest achievements.”

Fatou’s dedication to advocating against FGM and empowering young women continues to inspire and resonate globally. Her recognition by TIME reinforces her impact and amplifies her crucial message.

The significance of her work and impact to society was recognised by Former US President Barack Obama who directly acknowledged her leadership via a post on X ‘This International Women’s Day, I’m celebrating leaders like Fatou Baldeh in our @GirlsAlliance Network. Read more about her work to end female genital mutilation in Gambia.’

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