Africa

Funilayo Ransom Kuti
Born Francis Abigail Olufunmilayo Thomas
(October 25, 1900 – April 13, 1978)
Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria

Funmilayo Kuti was a teacher, women's
rights activist and traditional aristocrat.
She served with distinction as one of the
most prominent leaders of her
generation. Ransome-Kuti's activism led
to her being described as the doyen of
female rights in Nigeria, as well as to her
being regarded as “The Mother of Africa.”
She was a very powerful force advocating
for the Nigerian women's rights to vote.

Image Caption: A comic illustration of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti as a women leader in Abeokuta
during her years.

Gani Fawehinmi
Born Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi
(April 22, 1938 – September 25, 2009)
Ondo State, Nigeria

Gani Fawehinmi was a Nigerian
philanthropist, social critic, and civil rights
lawyer. She gained prominence when
taking on the case of a factory worker,
Bala Abashe who alleged the Secretary to
the government, Benue-Plateau State,
Andrew Obeya had an affair with his wife.
Gani Fawehinmi was a broker; this is a role
of a social worker to fight for the rights of
others and work to obtain needed
resources by convincing others of the
legitimate needs and rights.

Image Caption: A rally organized by Gani Fawehinmi to fight against corruption in Nigeria at Ojota, Lagos in 2005.