Ken Bugul, the Wolof pseudonym of Mariétou Mbaye Biléoma, was recently awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, Spain. This honorary degree recognizes her extraordinary contributions to literature and activism, particularly in the fields of women’s rights and the promotion of African cultures. With this honor, the university celebrates a life and career dedicated to addressing themes of exile, identity, and the human condition.

Born in 1947 in Senegal, Bugul’s upbringing in a polygamous family shaped her early years, marked by separation from her mother and a deep sense of abandonment. After studying in Senegal and later Belgium, she encountered the complexities of colonial education and the stark realities of Western society. These experiences would fuel her literary works, beginning with Le Baobab Fou (1982), a semi-autobiographical novel that reflects on her painful experiences in Europe.

Over the course of her career, Bugul has published eleven novels, many translated into several languages. Her writing is known for its boldness and its exploration of African and Western cultural clashes. Beyond literature, she worked with the International Planned Parenthood Federation, advocating for family planning and women’s rights across Africa.

Bugul’s work continues to challenge societal norms and foster a dialogue on identity and social justice, making her one of the most influential voices in contemporary African literature. At 78, she remains an inspiring figure, both for her literary achievements and her activism, and her Doctor Honoris Causa title further cements her legacy as a champion of cultural exchange and human rights.

Faculty members Dulce Maria Gonzalez Doreste and Alba Rodriguez Garcia of the University praised Bugul in their speech at the ceremony:

…the incorporation of Mariètou Mbaye Biléoma, Ken Bugul, into the faculty of the University of La Laguna as Doctor Honoris Causa will strengthen the cultural and academic ties between our institution and the African continent, a sister territory of great relevance for the Canary Islands and for the ULL, thus consolidating our role as those responsible for and promoting a cultural and social dialogue that aspires to a more just, equal and supportive future. [Google translated from Spanish]

Congratulations to Ken Bugul on this well deserved honor!

Photo from Amina Seck.