Monica Jusu Bah, a Woman of Many Firsts
Monica Jusu Bah is a New York Times best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of the eponymous clothing line, Monica Jusu Bah. She has used her platform to raise awareness of the plight of women and girls in Africa, and to promote gender equality around the world.
Early Life
Monica was born in Sierra Leone to a Sierra Leonean father and a Liberian mother. She spent her early years in Freetown, where she witnessed the devastating effects of war and poverty. Her family was forced to flee their home when she was just 8 years old, and they spent the next several years living in refugee camps in neighboring Guinea.
Education
Monica's passion for education was evident from a young age. Despite the challenging circumstances she faced, she excelled in school and was awarded a scholarship to attend Yale University. She graduated with honors in political science and economics, and then went on to earn a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Career
After graduating from law school, Monica worked as a corporate lawyer for several years. However, she soon realized that her true passion was in writing and advocacy. In 2009, she published her first book, "Girl Rising: Changing Lives Through Education." The book became a New York Times bestseller and was translated into more than 20 languages.
In 2010, Monica founded the Monica Jusu Bah Clothing Line. The line is inspired by her African heritage and features beautiful, ethically-sourced clothing. A portion of the proceeds from the line goes to support education programs for girls in Africa.
Activism
Monica is a passionate advocate for gender equality. She has spoken out against child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other harmful practices that affect women and girls. She is also a co-founder of the "More Than Me" movement, which provides education and support to girls in Sierra Leone.
Recognition
Monica's work has been recognized by numerous organizations around the world. She has been named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" and one of Fortune magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women in Business." She has also received the "Clinton Global Citizen Award" and the "Women's Leadership Award" from the United Nations.
Personal Life
Monica is married to David Bah, a Sierra Leonean businessman and politician. They have two children together. Monica and her family currently live in New York City.
Monica Jusu Bah is a truly inspirational figure. She is a woman of great strength, determination, and compassion. She uses her voice and her platform to make a difference in the world, and she is an inspiration to women and girls everywhere.