By Makutu Manneh
Binta Bah, a Gambian women’s rights advocate based in northern Germany, has been named Bremen’s Woman of the Year for 2026 in recognition of her work supporting migrant women and campaigning against female genital mutilation.
The honor was awarded by the Bremen State Women’s Council during a Senate reception at Bremen Town Hall on March 5. The ceremony was held under the theme “Strong together: women’s solidarity as an answer to political crises.”
Ms. Bah is the founder of LUNDU e.V., a Bremen-based civil society organization that works with migrant women and families, particularly those from African countries such as The Gambia. The group offers language classes, integration support, and childcare services for mothers who are learning German.
For years, Ms. Bah has also worked to raise awareness about Female Genital Mutilation, providing counseling, workshops, and community outreach to educate families about the health risks and human rights concerns associated with the practice.
The World Health Organization identifies four main types of female genital mutilation, which can involve the partial or total removal of the clitoris or other external genitalia, and in some cases, the narrowing of the vaginal opening by sewing it closed.
According to the citation issued by the Bremen State Women’s Council, Ms. Bah arrived in Bremen from The Gambia as a teenager, alone. Despite those circumstances, the council said, she managed to pursue her education while raising a family and later devoted herself to helping women affected by genital mutilation.
“We are honoring Binta Bah as a political activist who stands up for her community in mainstream society and thereby increases the visibility and representation of Black women,” said Antje Jess, the council’s chairwoman.
At the ceremony, Claudia Bernhard joined the council in recognizing Ms. Bah’s work.
Through LUNDU e.V., Ms. Bah organizes counseling services, educational workshops, and community forums that often bring together local authorities, including youth welfare officials and police, with migrant families. The programs aim to strengthen integration and encourage dialogue between cultures.
The organization also assists families navigating social services and government institutions, while offering practical support such as childcare for mothers attending language classes.
In remarks during the ceremony, Ms. Bah said policymakers should recognize how profoundly their decisions affect vulnerable families.
“Decisions made by people in responsible positions can either make life easier for families or cause them to lose stability and a sense of belonging,” she said. “Many families depend on fair and understanding leadership.”
Beyond social programs, Ms. Bah has organized cultural events designed to foster intercultural exchange in Bremen. Last year, the Gambian kora virtuoso Sona Jobarteh performed at one of the events. Another cultural concert is scheduled for May 30, featuring the artists Titi and Nagothe Llo.
In 2025, Ms. Bah also represented the German state of Saarland during celebrations marking the Day of German Unity, an event hosted by Frank‑Walter Steinmeier.
The recognition in Bremen highlights the growing role migrant-led organizations are playing in supporting communities and shaping public conversations about integration, women’s rights, and cultural dialogue in Germany.
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