The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) announced today that Gambian women’s and girls’ rights activist and Founder of the Banjul-based Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), Fatou Baldeh, has been named a 2025 honoree of The Albies, the organization’s annual awards celebrating global human rights defenders. The ceremony, set to take place on October 3 at London’s Natural History Museum, marks the event’s debut in the city. Baldeh joins an esteemed group of honorees, including Guatemalan journalist Jose Rubén Zamora, American editor Marty Baron, global women’s advocate Melinda French Gates, and Ford Foundation president Darren Walker, who will receive the lifetime achievement award.
Founded in 2022 by Amal and George Clooney, The Albies—named after South African anti-apartheid icon Justice Albie Sachs—recognize individuals who embody courage and commitment to justice. CFJ, which provides free legal support for free speech and women’s rights in over 40 countries, uses the awards to spotlight those fighting for human dignity worldwide. “At The Albies, the sacrifices and courageous commitments to justice and human rights take center stage,” the Clooneys said in a statement. “This is a celebration of the individuals whose lives and careers have come to embody those values that form the cornerstone of our foundation’s global work.”
Fatou Baldeh, a leading voice against female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), has dedicated her life to protecting women and girls in The Gambia. A survivor of FGM/C, which affects 230 million women globally, Baldeh founded Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL) to empower survivors and advocate for systemic change. Her most notable achievement came in 2024, when she played a pivotal role in defeating efforts to overturn The Gambia’s ban on FGM/C, a practice outlawed in the country since 2015. Her tireless advocacy has amplified the voices of Gambian women, challenging harmful gender norms and promoting dignity and justice.
Reacting to the Award, Baldeh expressed profound gratitude: “I am truly honored to be recognized with this year’s Albie Award. This recognition is a powerful testament to the collective strength of Gambian women, who have stood firm and continue to challenge harmful and unjust gender norms. It affirms our commitment to justice, dignity, and protecting girls’ rights.”
Baldeh’s work aligns closely with CFJ’s mission to defend women’s rights and support marginalized communities. Her inclusion among this year’s honorees underscores the global impact of her advocacy, which has inspired legislative progress and empowered countless women to reclaim their rights. The Albies ceremony will celebrate Baldeh’s achievements and highlight the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and discrimination.
Joining Baldeh, the 2025 honorees represent a broad spectrum of human rights advocacy. Jose Rubén Zamora is recognized for his fearless journalism in Guatemala, Marty Baron for his transformative leadership in investigative reporting, and Melinda French Gates for her global efforts to uplift women and girls. Darren Walker’s lifetime achievement award acknowledges his decades-long contributions to philanthropy and justice.
The October 3 event at the Natural History Museum promises to be a powerful evening, shining a light on those who risk everything for justice. For Baldeh and her fellow honorees, The Albies serve as both a tribute and a call to action, urging continued global support for human rights.
