Zainab Bangura

A UN advocate who pioneered global efforts to address sexual violence in conflict zones

Zainab Bangura (born 1953) is a Sierra Leonean diplomat and women's rights advocate who served as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict from 2010 to 2019. During her tenure, she led groundbreaking initiatives that redefined international approaches to combating sexual violence as a weapon of war.

Her most notable achievement was establishing the first-ever UN database tracking incidents of sexual violence in conflict zones, which revealed shocking patterns in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia. This data-driven approach enabled targeted interventions and held perpetrators accountable through international tribunals. She also pioneered the 'Name and Shame' strategy, publicly naming parties responsible for sexual violence to pressure governments and armed groups.

Bangura's work directly influenced the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, and she established the first gender units within UN peacekeeping missions. Her 2014 report linking sexual violence to recruitment practices of armed groups led to new counter-insurgency strategies in Mali and South Sudan.

Key innovations included:
- Creating survivor-centered policies prioritizing victim dignity
- Integrating sexual violence prevention into DDR (disarmament, demobilization, reintegration) programs
- Developing trauma-informed legal frameworks in post-conflict countries

Learn more about her work at the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders and the UN Women website. Her advocacy continues to inspire global movements like the #JusticeForSurvivors campaign.