By: Bakary Ceesay, in Germany
A Gambian women’s rights activist based in Germany, Binta Bah, has been named Bremen Woman of the Year 2026 in recognition of her work in promoting women’s empowerment, migrant integration and intercultural dialogue.
Bah, founder of the Bremen-based civil society organisation, LUNDU e.V., received the award from the Bremen State Women’s Council for her longstanding advocacy for women affected by female genital mutilation (FGM) on Sunday and her efforts to raise public awareness about the practice.
According to the organisers, Bah was selected from among 18 nominees and voted “Woman of the Year 2026” for her activism and community leadership.
In her acceptance speech, Bah called on leaders and decision-makers to recognise the impact of their decisions on vulnerable families.
“People in responsible positions should understand how powerful their decisions are,” she said. “Their decisions can make life easier for vulnerable families or cause people to lose stability or the place where they belong.”
Bah migrated from The Gambia to Bremen, Germany, as a teenager and has since combined education, motherhood and community activism while supporting women affected by FGM.
The World Health Organization classifies female genital mutilation into four major types. The practice may involve the partial or total removal of the clitoris and other parts of the female genitalia or the narrowing of the vaginal opening through stitching.
Bah was honoured during a Senate reception held at the Bremen Town Hall on Thursday, attended by Senator Claudia Bernhard and representatives of the Bremen State Women’s Council under the theme “Strong together: women’s solidarity as an answer to political crises”.
The chairwoman of the council, Antje Jess, said Bah was being recognised for increasing the visibility and representation of Black women in mainstream society through her activism.
“We are honoring Binta Bah as a political activist who stands up for her community and strengthens the visibility and representation of Black women,” Jess said in a written statement.
Through LUNDU e.V., Bah supports migrant women and families, particularly those from African countries including The Gambia. The organisation offers German language classes, childcare support for mothers attending courses, and assistance to help migrants integrate into German society.
The association also conducts counselling sessions, awareness campaigns and workshops to educate families about the risks and human rights implications of female genital mutilation.
In addition, Bah organises community events involving youth welfare officials, police authorities, civil society organisations and community members to promote intercultural dialogue and strengthen cooperation.
Many Gambian and other African families have benefited from the organisation’s programmes. As part of its cultural outreach, the group hosts an annual cultural concert.
Last year featured Gambian kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh, while artists Titi and Nagothe Llo are expected to perform at the next concert scheduled for 30 May 2026.
Bah also represented the German federal state of Saarland during celebrations marking the Day of German Unity on 3 October 2025, an event hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
