Even after making a mark as a distinguished human-rights activist, she remains a teacher to many of her associates in the human rights world and in other spheres of life where she is still seeking to make positive change.

Born in 1954 in the Kilimanjaro area of Moshi region, the mother of four holds a PhD in law from the University of Warwick, (UK, 2012).

Prior to that she had attended the University of Dar es Salaam where she pursued her undergraduate studies (1985) and a Masters in Law in 1994.

Dr Kijo-Bisimba has been a symbol of human rights activism in Tanzania in the past two decades, leading the biggest human rights watchdog for the same duration. She has inspired many young up-and-coming lawyers in her field.

She is also well respected by her peers and sits on the boards of a number of organisations as a board member. She is also an accomplished researcher, editor and publisher.

Her great contribution in the pursuit of gender equity, and as a dependable consultant to many professional bodies, is well documented.
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What’s your off-duty passion?

Singing. I sing in the choir in my local Lutheran Church. I have been singing in the choir since November 1978. I also enjoy spending time and having a good time with my grandchildren. It makes me feel young.

What would you have been if you were not a human-rights activist today?

I think I would have been a teacher. I like teaching. Actually I was a teacher before I became a human-rights activist. And even now, I teach whenever I get time.

What signifies your personal style?

I keep short hair and I love the grey in it. I don’t like very formal outfits typical of lawyers. I tend to wear kitenge (African print fabric). When not attending to legal work, I prefer T-shirts with special advocacy messages.

How do you manage your wardrobe?

I have different vitenge outfits, for church and for work and a few suits for formal meetings and gatherings. I have special dresses for weddings and black dresses that will do for all occasions.

In East Africa, where are you mostly likely to spend your Saturday afternoon?

In church. Saturday afternoon is always choir rehearsal day, except when I am attending a wedding.

Do you have a bucket-list?

No. But I have done my fair share of travelling around the world. I have been to The Great Wall of China, Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned, and I have travelled to virtually all corners of Tanzania except Rukwa in the south. So Rukwa is my must-visit place.

What do you see as East Africa’s strength?

The sense of community. When countries come together they are most likely to develop and be successful.

What is your best collection?

Books. I have a small library at home. I don’t have a specific collection, it is a mixture of novels, biographies of Mandela, Bill and Hillary Clinton. The books I prize are a copy of A Man Named Dave. (the third part of a New York Times bestselling trilogy by US author Dave Pelzer on abuse and how he overcame it as an adult) and books by Ben Carson and Rick Warren. other books such as The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne, The Power of Positive Thinking and The Power of Positive Thinking in Management by Norman Vincent Peale.

I also have a collection of artefacts; small wooden boats from Germany, and Netherlands, trophies and mugs from different places.

What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

Many, but there is this one that was so touching. In 1966 I was in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, at my uncle’s place during Christmas. The festivities in Moshi are over the top and I didn’t have a new dress for the occasion. Two days before Christmas my aunt called for me and she gave me a gift bag and said it was from my sister. When I opened it found a beautiful dress and shoes. I was very happy.

What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever given?

A surprise birthday party for my son in the UK.

Your last great read?

The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressall. I read it for the first time when I was in Form Six but later I found and bought it online. The character of Frank Owen had a vision for a just society, pretty much to what I am doing as a legal and human rights activist.

Which films have impacted you the most?

Neria and Sarafina. The first time I watched Neria I wept.

What’s your favourite music?

Classical music, because I am a church goer and I enjoy church music like Handel’s Messiah — the Hallelujah chorus.

What is never missing from your fridge?

Yogurt, fruit and chicken.