Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou
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| First Lady of Niger | |
| In role 7 April 2011 – 2 April 2021 Serving with Lalla Malika Issoufou
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| President | Mahamadou Issoufou |
| Preceded by | Laraba Tandja Fati Tandja Position vacant 2010-2011 |
| Succeeded by | Hadiza Bazoum |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mainé-Soroa, Niger |
| Political party | PNDS-Tarayya |
| Spouse | Mahamadou Issoufou |
| Education | École nationale supérieure de géologie |
| Alma mater | University of Niamey |
Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou is a talented chemist, chemical engineer, and expert in mining. She also works to improve healthcare. She served as the First Lady of Niger from April 7, 2011, to April 2, 2021. She is the first wife of former President Mahamadou Issoufou. She shared the title of First Lady with his second wife, Lalla Malika Issoufou. Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou leads the Guri-Vie Meilleure Foundation.
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About Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou
Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou was born in Mainé-Soroa, a town in the Diffa Region of Niger. She went to elementary school in Mainé-Soroa. Later, she attended an all-girls high school in Niamey, the capital city.
A Career in Science
Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou was one of the first women in Niger to study science. She earned a degree in mineral exploration and development. This means she learned about finding and developing valuable minerals from the earth. She studied at the National School of Geology in Nancy, France.
After that, she earned her master's degree in chemistry. She studied at the University of Niamey, which is now called Abdou Moumouni University. She later led the mineralogy division at SOMAIR. This was Niger's national mining company and part of a larger company called Areva.
Working for a Better Niger
Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou has always admired American civil rights leaders. These are people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, who fought for equal rights. On May 19, 2012, she visited The King Center in Atlanta. There, she met with Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter.
Her visit to the United States was to find support for Niger. She wanted to help reduce poverty and improve healthcare in her country. During her visit, she gave Bernice King a special plaque. It had crucifix symbols made by the Tuareg people of Niger.
Supporting Healthcare
In March 2018, First Lady Aïssata Issoufou worked with the Ministry of Health in Niger. They partnered with the Merck Foundation. This foundation is the charity arm of the Merck & Co. pharmaceutical company. Their goal was to make healthcare more available in Niger.
This partnership was announced on International Women's Day. It focused on improving care for oncology (cancer), diabetes, and fertility services. It also aimed to provide training for healthcare workers in Niger. The Merck Foundation also named her an Ambassador for their "Merck More than a Mother" campaign. This campaign helps to change unfair ideas about women who cannot have children.
Celebrating Women
To celebrate International Women's Day in March 2019, the First Lady hosted the Miss Intellect Niger awards. This event recognized smart and talented young women in Niger.
