Hi there,
Have you ever wondered what keeps you awake at night? For most people, it is different things. For me, a few things sometimes keep me up, and this page is all about sharing one of those things with you. If you stay with me, I might share the other two, or not…
I am Funke Adeoye, an international human rights lawyer and social entrepreneur. Sometimes, I spend my nights thinking about how we can design justice systems that truly work for people, and how technology, innovation, and creative solutions can open up more opportunities for people across the Global South.
funke adeoye
International Human Rights Lawyer
Social Entrepreneur
International Human Rights Lawyer
Social Entrepreneur
International Human Rights Lawyer
Social Entrepreneur
International Human Rights Lawyer
Social Entrepreneur
Meet Funke
I grew up noticing how rules and systems often fail the people they are meant to serve after spending a year out of school because of the impact of the criminal justice system on my family. Experiencing firsthand how injustice disrupts lives sparked my commitment to building solutions that protect rights, empower communities, and create real opportunity for everyone.
I completed my Bachelor of Laws at age 20 at the University of Benin and was called to the Nigerian Bar at 21, the first lawyer in my lineage. I spent the first five years of my career honing my skills in general legal practice, legal drafting, and criminal litigation.
By 2018, I had handled enough cases to recognize a different calling: providing succor to the vulnerable and addressing systemic gaps that perpetuate injustice. Today, I hold a Master of Science in International Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford, where I studied as a Commonwealth Scholar.
How I Think
Someone once described me as an onion, full of layers, each revealing a different perspective. Even though I am not a fan of labels, I have come to embrace the idea: my work, my thinking, and my life are made up of multiple dimensions, each shaped by curiosity, reflection, and a drive to create meaningful change.
I think of myself as a multi-potentialite because I thrive across disciplines, from law and human rights to social innovation and technology. I am also an incurable optimist, which helps me see the good in everything, and an idealist at heart, always imagining how systems, communities, and people could be better.
Together, these layers form the lens through which I approach the world: deeply human, purpose-driven, and relentlessly curious, shaping a way of thinking that seeks lasting solutions not just for individuals, but for the systems that govern their lives.
What I am Building
Hope Behind Bars Africa
You have probably heard of the groundbreaking work being done by Hope Behind Bars Africa, a social enterprise I started building in 2018. I spent the first 4 years bootstrapping and working with the kind hearted volunteers who all desired to make justice real for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, age, or wealth.
JusticePadi
And then, more recently, there is JusticePadi.ai Africa’s first AI-powered legal first responder. I wanted a tool that could reach people instantly in legal emergencies, especially in places where resources are scarce.
Farming Justice project
Building on that work, we launched the Farming Justice project, turning correctional facilities into engines of sustainable food security and reformation. Justice-involved individuals gain practical skills, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and experience a sense of purpose that goes beyond confinement. Here, justice becomes productive and empowering.
I do all of this by building strong teams, an engaged governance board, and sustainable fundraising strategies. However, the real engine is our approach: we iterate, learn, and innovate constantly, testing ideas like a startup until they work in the real world. That mindset, relentless curiosity and creativity combined with practical action, is what drives everything I build.
My Life Outside Work
Outside work, I am still in the business of creating opportunities. When I am not with family and friends, traveling or reading, I dedicate my time to mentoring serious-minded young people and mid-career professionals across the world, helping them build purpose-driven careers and to navigate complex systems.
I also speak and train on issues that matter deeply to me; justice, leadership, innovation, social entrepreneurship, fundraising and systems change sharing lessons from the work I do and the challenges I have faced along the way.
For me, growth and giving are inseparable, whether at home, in the community, or across borders.
Recognitions
Over the years, my work has been acknowledged both locally and internationally. Below is a selection of recognitions, just a few of the honors I have received. They pale in comparison to the lives that have been changed or the small but meaningful shifts in the system that we have been able to achieve.
Equally important are the people and organizations that have trusted me, funders, partners, and communities alike. Over the years, I have lead my team to manage more than half a million dollars in project funding from both local and international sources, including the European Union, Norwegian Embassy, National Endowment for Democracy, Global Citizen, Funds for Global Human Rights, CIVICUS, and International IDEA.
What I Can Offer You
I help people, organizations, and the government navigate complex problems and systems to achieve meaningful change. Whether you are a young professional seeking guidance, a team looking to strengthen impact, or an organization tackling systemic challenges, I offer a mix of expertise, insight, and practical solutions such as :
Book a Session
Let us speak further to understand how I can best support you. The first 15 minutes are free…