Date of Birth
11 June 1963
Place of Birth:
Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Profession
Feminist Activist
Nationality:
Zodiac Sign:
Age:
ABOUT
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi Erelu (born 11 June 1963) is a Nigerian-British feminist activist, policy advocate, social change philanthropy practitioner, and writer. Also, a gender and development specialist, social entrepreneur, policy advocate, writer, business woman, wife and mother. She served as the First Lady of Ekiti State, Nigeria, from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022, alongside her husband, Governor Kayode Fayemi.
Adeleye-Fayemi founded the Above Whispers Media Foundation and writes a weekly column, “Loud Whispers,” on Abovewhispers.com. She also established a mentoring program called The Wrapper Network and has served as a Senior Advisor for UN Women Nigeria (2017–2018). Currently, she is a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Africa Leadership Center, King’s College London.
BEFORE FAME
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi holds a BA (1984) and MA (1988) in history from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She also earned an MA in Gender and Society (1992) from Middlesex University, UK.
She had the opportunity to develop a career focused on women’s empowerment and social justice issues. As an advocate for women’s rights, she has been able to help build institutions in both Europe and Africa that empower women and provide them with opportunities to improve their lives.
CAREER
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi served as the Director of Akina Mama wa Afrika (1991-2001), established the African Women’s Leadership Institute, and co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund, serving as its first CEO (2001-2010). She held trustee and board member positions at various organizations including Comic Relief (UK), International Network of Women’s Funds, AWID, Women’s Funding Network, and Fund for Women.
She also co-founded the African Grantmakers Network and was a convener of the African Feminist Forum. As First Lady of Ekiti State, she influenced legal and policy frameworks to promote women’s rights, campaigning for various laws including the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law and the Equal Opportunities Bill. She chaired the Ekiti State GBV Management Committee, Ekiti State AIDS Control Agency, and the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum, where she facilitated the State of Emergency against Gender-Based Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, she is currently Principal Partner at Amandla Consulting, specialising in leadership development for women, and runs an online community called Abovewhispers.com, in addition to her role as a UN Women Nigeria Senior Consultant.
She has spearheaded the design and implementation of policy, advocacy, grassroots empowerment, and social inclusion programs across various African countries. Additionally, she has led successful campaigns to enact legislation aimed at promoting and safeguarding women’s rights.
FAMILY LIFE
Erelu was born into the family of the late Pa Emmanuel Akinola Adeleye, (father and professional boxer) and Mrs. Olufunke Emily Adeleye, (mother) who where students and casual worker in England.
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is married to Kayode Fayemi, the Governor of Ekiti State, whom she met while they were students. They share a strong partnership both personally and professionally, often collaborating on initiatives to promote social justice and women’s rights. The couple has one son, Folajimi Fayemi, born in 1994. Bisi balances her family life with her extensive work in activism and philanthropy, and she is known for her dedication to her community and her efforts to influence positive change in society. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi Erelu’s birthday date is 11th June.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Bisi has been recognized for her impactful work in civil society, named one of the 100 most influential leaders in civil society in Nigeria by the National Network of NGOs in Nigeria in December 2021. In March 2022, she was honored as an Outstanding Woman Leader by the United Nations Development Program Nigeria, UN Women Nigeria, the European Union delegation to Nigeria, and the British High Commission. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the African Philanthropy Network in November 2022.
Bisi is the author of several books, including “Speaking for Myself: Perspectives on Social, Political and Feminist Activism in Africa” (2013), “Speaking Above a Whisper” (2013), “Loud Whispers” (2017), “Where is Your Wrapper?” (2020), “Demand and Supply” (2023), and “A Tray of Locust Beans” (2023). She also co-edited “Voice, Power and Soul” (2008). Through her writing and activism, Bisi continues to advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and philanthropy in Africa.
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi Networth
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi’s net worth is not available to public space. Even though her influential status and numerous accolades, specific financial details about her net worth remain private. However, as a feminist activist, policy advocate, and social change philanthropy practitioner and the wife of an ex-governor in Nigeria, it is estimated that she has several properties, cars and businesses to her name.