A Dialogue with Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura – Director General of UNON
It was both a great pleasure and a true honor for us at Echoes Unheard to meet up with Madam Zeinab Hawa Bangura, the Director General of UNON, once again on the 5th of September. Our dialogue was deeply meaningful, leaving us all with valuable insights that continue to resonate long after the echoes of the room have faded. Hosted in collaboration with GWL Voices and the University of Nairobi, this gathering brought together our diverse community to explore empowerment, resilience, and the paths we carve through life's complexities.
During the
discussion, one of our members raised a question close to many hearts: “As a
Muslim girl, how can I break the barriers to self-actualization without coming
into conflict with cultural and religious expectations?” Madam Bangura's
response was both reassuring and empowering for all of us. She emphasized the
importance of remaining firm in one’s faith and values while pursuing personal
growth. At the same time, she highlighted the need to assure our communities of
this steadfastness, as their concerns often stem from the fear that their youth
may lose their way or abandon their religious principles. Her wisdom cut
through the room like a gentle light, reminding us that faith isn't a cage but rather
it's a compass for collective progress.
This guidance reminded us that true self-actualization does not require abandoning one’s faith or culture; rather, it lies in finding strength within them and using that foundation to grow together. Madam Bangura went on to speak passionately about the importance of resilience and courage as guiding forces in our shared journey. These two qualities, she reminded us, are not only necessary to face challenges but also essential in building a path toward lasting success for our communities.
Her words still
linger in our minds as they continue to remind us that life, with all its ups
and downs, is a series of temporary moments. Challenges will come and go, but
what matters is how we rise above them, how we remain steadfast, and how we
choose courage over fear. In that moment, surrounded by our fellow participants
leaning in, notebooks open and hearts engaged, we felt a profound sense of
connection and not just to Madam Bangura's story, but to the shared struggles
and dreams binding us as a collective.
Looking back, we
feel incredibly grateful to have shared that experience. Meeting Madam Bangura
was not only an opportunity to learn but also a chance to be inspired by a
leader who embodies strength, vision, and compassion. It reaffirmed our belief
that true leadership is about empowering others and leaving behind a legacy of
hope: one that Echoes Unheard is committed to carrying forward.
This wonderful
experience would not have been possible without the support of GWL Voices, the
United Nations office, and the University of Nairobi. We are sincerely grateful
to them for making it possible, and we choose to carry forward not just Madam
Bangura’s words, but also the responsibility to live by them: to remain
resilient, courageous, and keep striving toward the futures we've been dreaming
of, hand in hand.
HOW CAN YOU HELP
This isn’t just our fight it’s yours too. Here’s how you can stand with us:
Visit our website: Dive into the stories, learn about the crisis, and see how you can help at EchoesUnheard Kenya
Share the stories: Use your voice to amplify these unheard echoes. Share our posts, talk about femicide, and challenge the norms that let it thrive. tiktok, Instagram
Support survivors: Know someone affected by gender-based violence? Offer your support and point them to our resources.
Together, we can turn these echoes into a roar for justice. #EchoesUnheard.
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