Social Change - Women of Rubies

Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a distinguished feminist activist, gender and development specialist, policy advocate, and social sector expert. With decades of experience and numerous accolades to her name, she has been a formidable force in advancing women’s rights and social justice across Africa and beyond. Her journey from academia to global advocacy showcases her relentless dedication to gender equality and empowerment. Erelu Fayemi’s contributions have spanned across various sectors, from grassroots activism to high-level policy advocacy, making her a beacon of hope and a role model for countless women.

Academic Background and Professional Training

HE Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi holds a BA (1984) and MA (1988) in History from the University of Ife, Nigeria (now Obafemi Awolowo University). She also earned an MA in Gender and Society (1992) from Middlesex University, UK, and received a PhD (Honoris Causa) in Sociology from the Tai Solarin University of Education (2014).

Leadership in Women’s Development

From 1991-2001, Erelu Fayemi served as the Director of Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), an international development organization for African women. During her tenure, she established the African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI), which has produced over 6,000 women leaders across Africa. She is also the co-founder of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), the first Africa-wide grant-making foundation for women’s organizations, and served as the first Executive Director from 2001-2010.

Founding the African Women’s Development Fund

Erelu Fayemi co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) and served as its first CEO from 2001-2010. Under her leadership, AWDF supported thousands of women’s rights organizations in 42 African countries with millions of dollars in grants.

Current Roles and Initiatives

Currently, Erelu Fayemi is the CEO of Above Whispers Media Group, specializing in leadership development for women. She also runs an online community called Abovewhispers.com, where she lends her voice to issues affecting women and encourages them to rise above whispers, using their voices, resources, and positions where it matters. Recently, she established ‘The Wrapper Network’, an online mentoring and support program for young women. She served as a UN Women Nigeria Senior Advisor (2017-2018) and is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Africa Leadership Center, King’s College, London.

Legislative Contributions in Ekiti State

When her husband, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, took office as Governor of Ekiti State from 2010 to 2014, Erelu Fayemi became actively involved in policy advocacy, grassroots empowerment, and social inclusion programs. She led campaigns to enact several critical laws, including the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law (2011, revised in 2019), the Equal Opportunities Bill (2013), the HIV Anti-Stigma Bill (2014), the Treatment, Care and Protection Bill for Sexually Abused Minors (2020), the Ekiti State Mental Health Law (2021), and the Ekiti State Gender Composition Law (2022). She chaired the Ekiti State GBV Management Committee and the Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency (2018 – 2022) and led the Nigeria Governors Wives Forum (NGWF) from 2020 to 2022.

Literary Contributions

Erelu Fayemi is the author of several influential works, including ‘Speaking for Myself: Perspectives on Social, Political and Feminist Activism in Africa’ (2013), ‘Speaking above a Whisper’ (2013), an autobiography, ‘Loud Whispers’ (2017), and ‘Where is your Wrapper?’ (2020). She also co-edited ‘Voice, Power and Soul’ with Jessica Horn (2008), a compilation of images and stories of African Feminists. Her books “Tray of Locust Beans” and “Demand and Supply” delve into socio-political and cultural themes, advocating for gender equality and empowerment.

The Wrapper Network: Empowering Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Erelu Bisi Fayemi initiated the “A Wrapper for Women Initiative,” providing hope and support to over 60,000 households in Ekiti. Inspired by a story of solidarity, this initiative symbolizes unity, protection, and care, encouraging women to support each other.

Encouragement to Young Women

Erelu encourages young women to be actively involved in politics and community affairs. She emphasizes the importance of persistence, self-awareness, and courage, urging women to raise their voices and demand action against issues like sexual violence.

Final Thoughts

Erelu Bisi Fayemi’s journey is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to gender equality. Her work continues to inspire and empower women globally, reminding us all of the power of solidarity and the importance of using our voices for change. Through her vast and varied efforts, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi continues to champion gender equality, advocate for social justice, and empower women across Africa and beyond.

Oladiwura (’Diwura) Oladepo, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), is a remarkable leader with a profound impact on the technology landscape in Africa. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating access to decent work, entrepreneurship opportunities, and gender equality on the African continent through digital skills empowerment and advocacy. Let’s delve deeper into her inspiring story and the transformative initiatives she has pioneered.

Empowering through Digital Skills

At the heart of Oladiwura’s mission is the belief that technology can be a powerful force for positive change. She recognized that, to uplift underserved communities and promote gender parity, it was essential to equip individuals with the digital skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Tech4Dev was born out of this vision.

Under Oladiwura’s leadership, Tech4Dev has directly impacted the lives of over 120,298 beneficiaries in more than 30 African countries. Through various programs and initiatives, the organization has provided crucial training and resources, enabling young Africans to access better economic opportunities and improved livelihoods.

Championing Gender Parity in STEM

Oladiwura’s passion for gender equality and her vision for a brighter future led her to champion the cause of advocating for more women in STEM fields. Her drive culminated in the creation of the Women Techsters Initiative, a groundbreaking program that aims to bridge the digital technology knowledge gap between men and women in low-income communities across Africa.

This initiative has grown to become Africa’s largest women-in-tech tuition-free program. It focuses on not only empowering women with essential digital skills but also ensuring that women have equal access to the opportunities that technology can provide. As a result, countless women have been given the tools they need to succeed in the tech industry, furthering the cause of gender equality in the digital age.

Educational and Professional Excellence

Oladiwura’s educational background is as impressive as her achievements. She holds a Master of Advanced Management from Yale School of Management, a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and her desire to be at the forefront of change. Her MBA from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, equips her with the business acumen necessary to lead and innovate.

Global Recognition

Oladiwura’s exceptional work hasn’t gone unnoticed on the global stage. She was named a United Nations Solutions Summit Solution Maker in 2019, reflecting her significant impact in driving social change through technology. As a member of the Forbes Non-profit Council and a Social Entrepreneur Fellow of Jacobs Foundation, her influence extends far and wide.

She has also served on the Executive Board of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association, showcasing her dedication to both education and community development.

Awards and Accolades

In 2022, Oladiwura received a series of prestigious awards, further highlighting her status as a pioneering leader in the tech and social change sectors. She was named the winner of the Waislitz Global Citizens’ Choice Award and awarded Female Innovator of the Year at the 2022 Africa Tech Festival Awards, underscoring her significant contributions to the tech industry and her dedication to empowering others.

In addition, she was acknowledged as one of the 10 most outstanding young persons in Nigeria by the Junior Chambers International Nigeria (JCIN). Her efforts were also recognized as a finalist in the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, and she secured the position of first runner-up for the BudgIT Active Citizen’s Women Advocacy Award.

Oladiwura (’Diwura) Oladepo’s journey is a testament to her dedication to empowerment, leadership, and gender equality in the tech world. Her work at Tech4Dev and the Women Techsters Initiative continues to break down barriers and provide opportunities to countless individuals across the African continent. She is a shining example of how one person’s vision and dedication can make a profound difference in the lives of many, underscoring the importance of striving for a more inclusive and technologically advanced future for all.

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