Adebukola Shonibare was raped at 17. This sexual abuse came with a lot of psychological effects including slight misanthropy and emotional numbness. Healing from the ordeal came incrementally through various ways including, getting professional help, forgiving her abuser, forgiving herself and through advocacy for the rights of women and girls. Today, Bukola is a full fledged humanitarian and a staunch advocate for women. As an humanitarian, she promotes the welfare of women through Adopt-A-Camp and Girl Child Africa – all initiatives under her foundation- The Light Family Empowerment Foundation.Through these platforms, she helps Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), encourages victims of sexual abuse, promotes access to quality education in critically affected rural communities across Africa where there is a proven need for education of the girl child. She is a strategic team member of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, where alongside other advocates is on the fearless pursuit for the rescue of 219 abducted Chibok school girls. She facilitates this through strategic planning, mobilisation, sensitisation and awareness, stakeholder engagement, and events coordination.
Bukola holds a degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Peace and Security. She also holds several certifications from various institutions including a certificates in Journalism, and Creative Writing from the London School of Journalism.
She is a Mandela Washington Fellow. and has also been named one of Quartz Africa’s Innovators at the World Economic Forum in 2017. In January 2018, she was awarded Glazia’s Person of the Year in the Philanthropy and Advocacy category; and in March 2018, she was named one of the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria, an initiative of Leading Ladies Africa.
