On 22 June 2012, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Zainab Hawa Bangura of Sierra Leone as his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, at the level of Under-Secretary-General. She succeeded Margot Wallström, and brought to the role extensive experience in diplomacy, governance, and gender equity.
Prior to her UN appointment, Ms. Bangura served as the Minister of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone. She also previously held the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, where she advised the President on foreign policy and represented the country in critical multilateral engagements. A champion for social justice, she has been at the forefront of initiatives to eliminate female genital mutilation, combat sexual violence, and strengthen national health systems.
Her extensive fieldwork includes involvement with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), where she led efforts to build institutional capacity and promote post-conflict reconciliation. Ms. Bangura is renowned for her results-oriented leadership, having engaged with both state and non-state actors—including rebel groups—to advance peace, transparency, and human rights.
She has also co-founded influential civil society organizations such as the Campaign for Good Governance and served as Executive Director of the National Accountability Groups. Her pioneering work in advocacy and democratic governance has earned her international recognition as a leading voice for marginalized communities.
Ms. Bangura is a Chartered Insurance Institute Fellow in London, and holds diplomas in Insurance Management from City University Business School and Nottingham University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.
Born in 1959, Ms. Bangura is married and the proud mother of two children.
