H.E. Zainab Bangura is the current Director General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi at the level of Under-Secretary-General. Rising from a modest background in Sierra Leone, Zainab became a corporate leader, a powerful political activist, a staunch advocate for women’s rights, and a Cabinet Minister. She is also among the few African women to run for presidential office. Her journey—from overcoming hardship to becoming a key figure in international leadership—is truly remarkable.
Reflections on International Women’s Day 2025