The life of young Anthonia Ojenagbon took a dramatic turn when, as a teen, she was sent to live with her paternal uncle in Lagos due to her parents’ financial constraints. Unfortunately, her childhood became marred by a series of traumatic experiences. At just 12 years old, Anthonia faced unbearable violations of her body and personal boundaries, which would have a lasting impact on her life.
“This happened for several nights when it was dark. I didn’t shout because I thought it was a monster, and I never saw the person’s face. One day, my uncle threatened me that if I ever told anyone what was going on in his house, he would kill me. This was how the abuse started,” she said.
It took years for Ojenagbon to find healing finally, and when she did, she also decided to help other survivors heal. To do this, she started a foundation- The Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation.
The Tonia Bruised But Not Broken Foundation is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse by giving them a voice, a safe space for healing, and access to justice. Their mission is to break the cycle of silence and empower individuals to reclaim their dignity and rebuild their lives after being abused.
Her personal experience of childhood abuse is the driving force behind the foundation’s work. Anthonia Ojenagbon uses that experience to inspire countless survivors to find strength in their healing process.
“My Why? I had no one to fight for me when the abuse happened. Everything you would ever read about the emotional and psychological effects of child abuse I, Antonia Ojenagbon, have gone through. My voice was stolen, and now, this is my WHY for fighting – I want to give voice to the voiceless,” she declares.
Through advocacy, counselling, and community engagement, her foundation challenges societal norms, seeks justice for survivors, and promotes a culture of awareness and support. They shun silence and are out to prove that healing is possible and that being bruised does not mean being broken.
The foundation provides survivors the support, advocacy, and resources they need to move forward. They are breaking the stigma surrounding sexual violence in Nigeria through Advocacy Work, Survivor Support, Collaborations and Awareness Campaigns.
The foundation raises awareness about sexual violence to break the stigma. They do this through social media, public events, educational programs, and local community events. In Nigeria and across Africa, the fight against sexual abuse continues. But with effort, survivors can rise, heal, and help others do the same.
