Jezima Ismail

Deshabandu Jezima Ismail (born 1935) is a Sri Lankan educator, broadcaster and social activist who has also served as an advocate for human rights. She has held several higher positions in fields such as education, human rights and broadcasting. She has also worked in several international organisations on human rights. She is the founder of the Muslim Women's Research and Action Forum (MWRAF), and the Founder and President of the Sri Lanka Muslim Women's Conference (SLMWC). Additionally, she has served as Vice Chancellor of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Chairperson of People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), principal of Muslim Ladies College Colombo, and as a teacher at the Devi Balika Vidyalaya.

Jezima has notably addressed some of the nation's most critical issues including development of youth, women's rights, peace and democracy. In 1989, she was awarded the title of Deshabandu by the Sri Lankan government, which is the third highest national honour in Sri Lanka. Jezima Ismail is considered as one of inspirational and greatest women among the Islamic community for her immense services towards the society. Provided by Wikipedia