Erelu Bisi Fayemi Champions Women’s Leadership and Political Participation During Influential African Missions

Her Excellency Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a prominent member of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Steering Committee, recently joined a powerful delegation to Malawi as part of an African Union initiative aimed at empowering women involved in the political process. The mission sought to identify support areas for Malawian women as they prepare for the upcoming elections in September 2025.

The delegation participated in a two-day conference centered on Women in Political Participation, during which Erelu Fayemi and other members engaged in impactful discussions with key stakeholders, including electoral management bodies, security leaders, political party representatives, development partners, and civil society organizations. A significant highlight was a meeting with HE Mrs. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi, where Erelu Fayemi delivered an insightful address on the role of ICTs, media, and image management in enhancing women's political participation.

Expressing her gratitude, Erelu Fayemi acknowledged her dear friend and mentor, Madam Bineta Diop, former African Union Special Envoy on Gender, Peace and Security, for her unwavering support and dedication to the cause over the years.

In a related development, Erelu Fayemi recently attended the board meeting of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) in Kampala, Uganda—a fund she co-founded 25 years ago alongside Dr. Hilda Tadria and the late Ms. Joana Foster. The AWDF, headquartered in Accra, Ghana, has made significant strides in supporting thousands of women’s organizations across Africa, and the board meeting served as both a reflective and strategic planning platform.

Coinciding with the AWDF meeting, Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) hosted an event that gathered Ugandan alumni of the African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI). Erelu Fayemi, who previously served as the Executive Director of AMwA and founded AWLI, was invited to address the enthusiastic alumni. With over 10,000 leaders nurtured through AWLI, many now occupying influential roles in society, Erelu Fayemi’s speech underscored the transformative journey of African women leaders.

The parallel meetings at the same hotel fostered a sense of unity and purpose, with Erelu Fayemi inspiring participants to continue their advocacy for women's leadership. Her refrain of “Viva AWDF! Viva Akina Mama! Viva AWLI!” resonated through the halls, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing women's political participation across the continent.