The University of Warwick recently announced new honorary graduates as part of the summer 2023 graduation ceremonies. At today’s ceremony (Friday 21^st July) former Law student Bience Gawanas will be awarded one of these honorary degrees in recognition of her outstanding contributions and achievements.

Bience is an inspirational champion for women's rights and social justice, committed to improving healthcare and development in Africa. Her career across law and human rights has spanned over 40 years. She has worked for the African Union and is currently Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General. She has also been named as one of the 100 most influential Africans.

She came to Warwick as a refugee to undertake her legal studies as part of a scholarship scheme. She graduated in 1987 and qualified as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in 1988, returning to Namibia in 1989.

Despite her distinguished career, Bience has remained a huge supporter of Warwick. She invited African academics and postgraduate students from Social Sciences and Law to participate in two UN Africa Days and is now a valued member of the External Advisory Board of the Warwick Africa Hub, helping to shape our Africa Partnership Strategy.

Professor Ann Stewart, who will be presenting the award tells us, “Bience is an inspiring role model for women everywhere, and for African women in particular. We are proud of her impressive achievements and delighted to honour her today.”

Speaking about all of the honorary degree recipients, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, commented: "We are honoured to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of these honorary graduates.

“Their diverse expertise and extraordinary dedication to their fields serve as a source of inspiration for our graduates, and we are proud to recognize their outstanding contributions to society”.

Read the University Press ReleaseLink opens in a new window and find out about the other honorary degrees being awarded.

Congratulations to Bience and all the other recipients of the honorary degrees.