Welcome Tom Shakespeare: our new International Chair!

Disability Rights
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Light for the World proudly welcomes Professor Tom Shakespeare as new Chair of our International Board of Trustees.

I cannot imagine anyone better qualified for the role than Tom; we are immensely lucky to have him on board.
Rupert Roniger, CEO

Portrait picture of man smiling. He wears a dark blue polar neck jumper. He looks straight at the camera.

Tom Shakespeare, Chair of Light for the World

White man in wheelchair shakes hand with young girl from Mozambique who uses crutches. They are in a brightly coloured yellow and blue school classroom.

Photo of Tom Shakespeare visiting Light for the World programme participants in Mozambique, 2017; including 11-year-old Marta Joao Lucas. (c) Carlos Litulo.

Eight people smile, looking at the camera. They are on a stage with a background with Light for the World banners. The photo shows the Award ceremony for the 2018 Light for the World Her Abilities Award Laureates.

At a ceremony in Vienna, Tom meets the 2018 Light for the World Her Abilities Award Laureates: Ashrafun Nahar, Musola Catherine Kaseketi and Toyin Janet Aderemi.

A young woman from Mozambique wearing a chef outfit smiles at the camera holding both hands/palms together. She is in conversation with Tom Shakespeare, who is from the UK, who is in a wheelchair to her right. They are in a restaurant setting with chairs and tables.

Here, Tom Shakespeare talks with Joana Joao Nhantote, a Deaf cook, at Brasibeira Restaurant in Mozambique, 2017. He now reflects: “I am determined to increase the number of disabled people and people from the Global South in our governance structures. I believe that solidarity between North and South, and between disabled and non-disabled people, is key.” (c) Carlos Litulo.

An academic, broadcaster, sociologist and activist – Tom brings more than 20 years experience of advocating for disability rights. He is dedicated, decisive and impactful. I am convinced he will help guide our organisation and work to an even stronger future.
Rupert Roniger

Tom takes over from Karin Krobath, who served as International Chair for more than six years.

Light for the World is forever grateful to Karin for her incredible dedication and commitment to our work.
Rupert Roniger

Karin Krobath, dressed in a yellow jacket, kneels and smiles at the camera. She is pictured alongside several other members of the International Board of Light for the World including Tom Shakespeare, to her left, and Woldesenbet Brhanemesqel, who stands behind Karin holding a trophy in his hands/on his head.

Karin Krobath during her tenure as Chair, alongside other members of Board at the time including Tom Shakespeare. She says: “I´m more than happy to hand over the role of International Chair of our Board of Trustees to Tom Shakespeare, who is a brilliant expert, activist and thought leader.”

Several people, including Karin Krobath to the left, clink/'cheers' soft drink bottles. They are surrounded by blue boxes. Many are participants of the Light for the World InBusiness Initiative

Karin also reflects: “Whenever it was tough, we emerged stronger and were able to reach more people. A big THANK YOU to all…who helped shaping the backbone of our fast moving, impactful NGO throughout the years.”

Our first ever international Chairperson, Karin paved the way for our organisation to grow in impact and influence. Her senior stewardship and guidance, during some of the most formative years for our organisation, have been incredible. On behalf of our organisation, I extend a huge, heartfelt thank you to Karin for all she has done for us!
Rupert Roniger

Tom has served as Light for the World UK Chair since 2016. You can read a recent ORF interview with Tom here. His full bio is here.

Karin will continue as a Light for the World Austria board member. You can read her full bio here.