On Wednesday, 7th November 2012, the staff of the Foroyaa office and all activists associated with NADD received their biggest shock when illness stole Fatou Faye from us.

One could remember how she performed the role of a poor woman from the Darfur Region of Sudan lamenting on the failure of Independent Africa to give a life of tranquility and prosperity to her children, in a play entitled "We should unite now or perish".

Fatou felt the suffering of others and was therefore indefatigable social worker and youth leader who earned the respect of males and females, young and old because of her intelligence, frankness, alertness and industriousness.

Fatou was a liberated woman who fought for the liberation of women without making them adversaries of men. She stood for the equal partnership of male and female.

Fatou was among the new breed of women leaders who are groomed to take leadership position and even become Candidates in elections. Her devotion to family, neighbours and country earned her the love of many and her departure is a great blow to the cause of women liberation and humanity.

Foroyaa shall devote a special column for her colleagues to share the lessons Fatou bequeathed to posterity. She lived for others and shall forever remain in the hearts and minds of all those who love and respect her. May she rest in perfect peace.