From Surviving to Thriving: Celebrating My 50-Year Journey

Dear Youngest Marieme,

#impactstories- This month, I turned 50. Reflecting on the journey so far, I reach back through the years to the little girl I once was—the one who faced unimaginable hardships, whose early life was a battle for dignity and survival.

With a heart full of emotion, gratitude and pride, I write to tell you that we made it to 50 despite all the odds. What happened to you and your twin brother was never your fault. Your parents did not know better and therefore could not be better.

No child should carry the weight of such events, and I want you to know that none of it was due to any failing on your part. Release any guilt or shame—they do not belong to you. You were always deserving of love, care, attention, and protection.

Each trial through my life has been a forging of your spirit. I not only survived, but I also thrived. I turned my trials into a crusade to ensure no other young girl would have to walk her path alone or unarmed. I used my story to ignite change, to build bridges where there were walls, and to light a path for thousands who will walk it after you.

I am profoundly grateful for all the support I've received and for every person I've met on this journey. The friendships I've formed and the lessons I've learned have been invaluable. These people I met along the way have truly shaped who I am today, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu—I am because we are.

I have just returned from travelling to the Philippines and Pakistan, where I spent time with my friend Hina Parvez Butt and with many others in New York Priscilla Idele where my efforts to empower young women through technology have grown stronger. Meeting with local communities and stakeholders in these diverse regions has reinforced my commitment to global change.

My travels have taken me worldwide, where I have shared planes with world leaders like Beatrice Engstr?m-Bondy and tech pioneers like Martha Lane Fox Christopher Schlaeffer . Their innovative spirits and dedication to improving the world through technology and Humanity have inspired me deeply, enhancing my resolve to use digital platforms for social good and help our young women and girls.

One of the most transformative experiences was travelling to the Kakuma and Dabaab Refugee Camps, thanks to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency working with where I met refugee girls from 20 African countries. Their resilience, dreams, and stories of overcoming adversity changed my life and deepened my commitment to ensuring marginalized voices are heard and empowered through Technology.

I apologize for not posting for a long time. The demands of my journey and the work I am committed to have been immense, but I am eager to reconnect and share more regularly with you all here on Linkedin and on Instagram.

Attending events like the Clinton Global Initiative and World Economic Forum has been an honour and a profound responsibility. Receiving global accolades like the 联合国儿童基金会 Goalkeeper and sitting next to Tim Berners Lee, the WEB inventor, supporting the Africa Progress Panel Chaired by Kofi Annan showed me that remaining authentic, hard working is the most important thing you should be and do.

Speaking on global platforms has helped the mission of ensuring women and girls have better lives through access to education and technology. My work on AI is growing to unlock the complexity of girls' education and systems,

My future is filled with achievements and accolades, but the accurate measure of my success lies in the lives I've touched. From Senegal to the global stage, my efforts in technology and education have empowered countless young women.

I founded iamtheCODE, an initiative that has become a beacon of hope, a blueprint for Humanity, and an opportunity for girls who see themselves in me. I wish I could shield you from the pains you will endure, but I also know they are integral to making you the woman you will become. I will rise to speak at United Nations forums, collaborate with world leaders, have a seat at the table, and be celebrated as a pioneer—but my most cherished title will always be that of a mentor and sister to the girls following in your footsteps. Hold on to your strength, dear wise woman.

Keep your heart fierce and your will steadfast. Know that you are loved, valued, and, above all, capable of changing the world. Never give up, and keep going every day.

Here's to us, to 50 years of life lived fully, and to the many more years we will continue to make a difference.

With all my love and most profound respect.

Thank you Priscilla Idele Akira Kirton Patrick Taylor Farai Gundan, M.B.A. M.P.A (Harvard) Mónica A. Ramos Li for all your support and care.

Lady Marieme x