Long before Gender mainstreaming and Gender Equality became concept for political correctness, a few had being sticking their neck out to make a case for African women out of sheer conviction and clarity of purpose that all humans are born equal and deserve equal opportunities.

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is one of those women who have cut their teeth in the global civil rights movement advancing the rights of women and minority groups. With an impressive resume that can be split among three people and they would each be considered great, and a daunting collection of awards, one would think her energy would have dissipated over the year. However, this is not so of Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi‘s energy and passion for impact. Her drive and purposefulness’ remains a challenge to those of us in our early and mid-career stages.

This school of taught regarding this Mama-Africa is evident in the tribute to her by leading Global, National and Local figures below:

‘There are very few women in the world that can surpass Bisi’s energy, optimism and realism in the fight against gender-based violence. She is a remarkable individual made more so by her commitment to not only provide resources to marginalized groups, but also the tools to empower and advance’ – Leymah Gbowey (Noble Peace Laureate, 2011)

‘Today, a number of people regard me as a seasoned communications professional. A lot of what I know now, I learnt from observing Bisi. Bisi is the consummate Public Relations professional, and my passion for communicating the work that African women do was influenced by watching what she did, and how she did them’ – Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah (AWDF Ghana)

‘I first met Aunt Bisi in 1996, in the weeks after my mother’s assassination by the Abacha regime. As other Nigerians had done, she came to see my siblings and I to express her condolences. On that first meeting, Aunt Bisi held my hand and assured me that while no one could replace my mother, that I had a junior mother in her. Demonstrating her sincerity, she always stayed in touch with me, encouraging my desire to set up a non-governmental organization in my mother’s memory and helping me navigate the hitherto unknown world of the international women’s movement’. –  Hafsat Abiola Costello (Daughter of M.K.O Abiola, Founder & President of Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, and Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State)

‘A lot of what I know now, I learnt from observing Bisi. Bisi is the consummate Public Relations professional, and my passion for communicating the work that African women do was influenced by watching what she did, and how she did them–  Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah AWDF, Ghana

‘As an icon of women’s rights, Bisi Adeleye Fayemi contributed to the achievement of the MDG 3 target on women’s rights and building a more equitable society’ – Magaret Fagboyo (On behalf of DFID South West)

‘Bisi Adeleye Fayemi is a thoroughbred feminist with unalloyed commitment to the wellbeing of women and girls and a person in whose veins flow unabated passion for gender justice’ – Professor Funmi Soetan

‘She is a transformational leader and change agent who has great dreams of what an ideal woman and society should look like. Erelu Bisi Fayemi has a gift of innovative thinking, a visionary spirit and tenacious patience required to successfully lead women. She is committed to fighting the cause of women’s right in Africa and Nigeria in particular through the establishment of African Women’s Leadership Institute – a training and networking forum for young African women. She also co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund – the first Africa-wide grant-making fund, which supports the work of organizations promoting women’s rights in Africa. She is passionate about improving the lives of African women’ – Professor Modupe Adelabu (Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State)

‘Ever since I met Bisi in our days at Ife and during the occasional sneak out to she and her husband’s abode in London during the NADECO days, she has cast herself in the mould and the instructive words of Mother Teresa that “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. Even when supposedly strong men are losing their strength and faith, Bisi is never the one to say “I give up!” She forges ahead day and night in the struggle for the poor, the downtrodden, the marginalized, the underprivileged, the physically and psychologically bruised’ – Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Special Adviser to President on Political Matters)

‘The building up of Akina Mama wa Afrika, the creation of the African Women’s Leadership Institute, creation and sustainability of the African Women’s Developent Fund, the African Feminist Forum, the Nigerian Feminist Forum, and the African Grant Makers Network, are all initiatives that have benefited from Bisi’s drive and vision. Bisi is one of the very few people I know who is not only superb at raising resources but who actually enjoys doing it (and, yes, the two are linked). Bisi also has a great way with soundbites and pithy phrases, like “I’m a feminist, no ifs, no buts…” Yet, with all the serious work she does, Bisi retains her sense of humour. Her affectionate skit of our revered feminist ancestor, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, at the first African Feminist Forum had us howling with laughter, and is one of my cherished memories of her. Bisi, I salute your commitment to to feminism, to social justice, and to Africa’ – Ayesha Mei-Tje (Feminist Scholar).

Opeyemi Oriniowo is a Development Practitioner and Analyst with focus on Poverty and Inequality. He is a Program Adviser to Mrs. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi and Content- Editor of abovewhispers.com.