First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has been named amongst 107 Nigerian women choosing to challenge the systems and structures that perpetuate gender inequality in the country, by the Baobab for Women’s Human Rights. This is in commemoration of Women’s History Month.
Others named include the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, Honourable Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, renowned writer Chimamanda Adichie, and activist Aisha Yesufu.
According to the report, “The amazing women that we celebrate #ChooseToChallenge the systemic and systematic barriers that reinforce the subordinate status of women and keep them from political, social, economic, and educational spaces.
“They have used their voices to speak up and speak out against injustices against women and girls, particularly against gender-based violence through their various interventions. They have also amplified the voices of women and girls in Nigeria. Their courage, dedication and hard work have brought a significant progress to women’s rights issues in Nigeria.”
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Erelu Fayemi is a globally renowned feminist writer, policy advocate, gender and development specialist, and social entrepreneur.
In 2001, she co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), a foundation which has supported the work of over 2,500 women’s rights organisations in 42 African countries, including Nigeria.
In her role as the First Lady in Ekiti State, she has led campaigns to enact laws to protect women and girls from physical, economic, mental or sexual violence and improve their status in the state. She is a prolific writer and CEO of Above Whispers, an online community for women.
The report can be downloaded here: https://www.baobabforwomen.org/post/nigerian-women-who-choose-to-challenge
