CLASS OF 2024: Honorary Award presented to inspiring woman tackling female genital mutilation

An inspiring woman, raising awareness of the impact female genital mutilation (FGM) has on women and girls, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Social Science by the University of Wolverhampton.   

Fatou Baldeh MBE, founder and CEO of Women in Liberation and Leadership – WILL, in The Gambia, has been recognised following her work in engaging with communities in the fight against FGM with the aim of ending it globally. 

Honorary awards are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise. 

Being a survivor of FGM, Fatou is now using her platform to work to eradicate all forms of abuse against women. 

In recognition of her work with migrant communities and women who have experienced abuse in the UK, Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth II, honoured Fatou with an MBE. 

Fatou was awarded the International Woman of Courage (IWOC) by The US State Department for her dedication to women’s rights and the fight against FGM which she received from The US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinket at The White House. In March 2024, she was also honoured with The Women’s Rights Award by The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.  

Reflecting on being awarded an Honorary Doctor of Social Science, Fatou said: “I feel incredibly honoured and proud as the awardee of an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, my alma mater, where my academic journey began as an undergraduate student, guided by the University’s motto – Innovation and Opportunities.”   

The University’s graduation ceremonies are taking place at University of Wolverhampton The Halls from Friday 6 September to Friday 13 September 2024. 

To find out more about graduate success, check out the Every Story Has a Start web page which showcases our exceptional alumni across the globe doing incredible things. High achievers from the worlds of literature, business, sport, film and the arts feature, sharing how their lives and careers have developed since their days studying with us.     

After graduation, graduates become members of the Alumni Association and are encouraged to keep in touch, to take advantage of a wide range of benefits and support on offer, including a discount for postgraduate study.     

To learn more about the University’s Alumni Association please visit here, where graduates can also update their details with the Association.   

The Clearing hotline number is 01902 323 232 for anyone looking for courses starting in September and to find out more about our Open Days, visit our website.