UN Special Envoy on Sexual Violence to visit UW–Madison campus
Zainab Hawa Bangura, the United Nations Special Envoy on Sexual Violence in Conflict, will visit the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus on November 6 and 7, with an itinerary that includes two public talks and informal meetings with students.
Appointed to her current post in June 2012, Bangura has actively engaged world leaders, rebels, militants, victims and communities in diverse regions of the world to bring attention to the issues surrounding sexual violence in conflict. As a result of her efforts, the UN Security Council voted unanimously on June 24, 2013, to adopt a resolution condemning sexual violence in conflict and impunity for such crimes.
She was invited to campus by Project 1808, a UW–Madison student organization founded to improve the quality of education and sustainable life in Sierra Leone, by working with the country’s youth.
Prior to her UN appointment, Bangura served as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Minister of Health and Sanitation. She has been instrumental in developing national programs on affordable health, advocating for the elimination of genital mutilation, managing the country’s Peace Building Commission and contributing to the multilateral and bilateral relations with the international community.
During her visit to UW–Madison, faculty, students and staff, along with the general public, will have opportunities to hear her and engage in discussions about issues surrounding sexual violence, foreign policies, gender and women’s issues, health, education, democracy and human rights, Africa and development challenges.
On Wednesday, November 6, at 7 pm in the Great Hall of Memorial Union, Bangura will give a public lecture on “Sexual Violence in Areas of Armed Conflict,” talking about the issue, its scope, and its impact on the economic and social development of communities and nations around the world. She will discuss what engaged members of the international community can do to eradicate rape as a weapon of war.
On Thursday, November 7, at noon, in the Lubar Commons (Room 7200) at the UW–Madison Law School, she will talk about “Crafting an International Legal Framework to Combat Sexual Violence in Conflict.” Her talk will highlight the challenges and successes of her office, the UN’s work in helping countries create gender-neutral laws, train police officers, prosecutors and judges, and provide redress and reparation for victims.
Also on Thursday, she will meet informally with students invited by sponsoring units and organizations.
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