Quote by Zainab Bangura: “When women lead, societies thrive. We must invest in their empowerment.”

This statement highlights the idea that when women are given opportunities to lead, entire communities and nations benefit and grow stronger. It urges people to actively support and empower women to take on leadership roles.

As the UN Special Representative, Bangura frequently spoke on gender equality and empowerment. During this period, global efforts intensified to recognize women's critical role in peacebuilding and development, advocating for their inclusion in all decision-making processes worldwide.

Sierra Leonean diplomat and politician who served as the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict from 2012 to 2017. Before her UN role she served as Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs and was a key figure in the country's post-civil war reconstruction. She is one of the foremost international voices on conflict-related sexual violence.