Footprints Podcast | Season 1 | Episode 16 | Part 1: Where’s Your Wrapper? Bisi already has a cape.

This instalment of the Footprints Podcast explores the journey of Bisi Adeleye Fayemi. Her passion for creating change, her vision to give a voice to women, her fortitude as a leader, and her values have paved the way for the recognition of the rights of African women across the globe, as well as the transformation of Ekiti State during her time as First Lady. She shares wisdom on how to succeed, the benefits of humility, and how to mastermind the trajectory of your life.

Refined as a reader and writer from an early age, thanks to her father’s assiduous essay assignments, Bisi was raised to be a poised and eloquent woman. The follow-up discussions to her essays nurtured her into a critical thinker and leader, with a strong voice to articulate her viewpoints. A philanthropist and conciliator, Bisi learned the value of utilizing one’s platform to support and transform the lives of others from her mother, whose strength and generosity she deeply admired.

She studied History at what is now Obafemi Awolowo University, where she later met her husband. After her education in Nigeria, she returned to England in 1988. Bisi pursued a Master’s Degree in Gender and Equality at Middlesex University, drawn by her desire to contribute to the concept. She notes that she initially worked as a sandwich maker and civil servant before joining the Akina Mama wa Afrika organization in London in 1991. Emphasizing the merits of hard work, she inspires leaders not to undermine seemingly small beginnings, as they cultivate diligence and resilience.

During her time at Akina Mama wa Afrika, Bisi initiated projects to support African women inmates. She advocated for mental health awareness, HIV sensitization, and the rights of Black women in Europe. She also co-founded the Black Women in Europe Network. With a vision to extend similar resources to empower women on the African continent, she contributed to the creation of the African Women Leadership Institute in 1996. In partnership with Stella Mukasa, the duo established the institute in Uganda, focusing on equipping young women in academia and civil society with the skills and knowledge to address gender issues and build organizations. The program revolutionized women’s leadership, fostering independent leaders who would challenge sexism and fight for women’s rights in their respective spaces. Following its success, the program expanded to Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Bisi also co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), an organization dedicated to economically supporting women’s organizations across African countries. She served as its first Executive Director and proudly notes that her work there helped shift the narrative around feminist philanthropy in Africa.

One of her most significant transitions came in 2010, when she moved from civil society into politics as the First Lady of Ekiti State, Nigeria. She carefully designed a transition and succession plan for her departure from AWDF, which ensured a smooth handover.

Bisi reflects on the lessons and insights gained during her service in Ekiti State. She found the contrast between policy perception in civil society and policy implementation in government particularly eye-opening. She committed to using her new platform to address the status of women in Ekiti State, working alongside her husband, the then-Governor. She led sensitization efforts on human rights and spearheaded the passing of key legislation: a bill against gender-based violence, laws for the care and protection of minors from sexual offenses, a mental health bill, and an HIV and stigma law. She also established regional shelters for women and girls in distress.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she collaborated with other Nigerian first ladies to declare the first-ever "Indefinite State of Emergency" in response to a rise in sexual violence. Their collective advocacy led to the adoption and implementation of protective legislation in 97% of Nigerian states.

In retirement, Bisi continues to mentor and coach women in leadership, focusing on problem-solving, visual etiquette, and legacy management. She promotes solidarity among women and continues her advocacy against sexual violence through her writings, including Where is Your Wrapper? and Demand and Supply.

She advises leaders to reflect deeply and affirm their purpose, noting that a clear sense of purpose helps distinguish those who persevere through challenges from those who give up. She also underscores the importance of having a backup plan and standing by what is right. Her journey inspires leaders to stand firm in their beliefs while embracing the seasons of life, each one offering its own lessons.

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© Blurb written by Divine Karungi

For more on CivSource Africa's Change Ready Initiative, click here: https://www.civsourceafrica.com/change-ready

CLICK HERE to listen to her story:

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