About the Chancellor

Advocate Bience Gawanas

Biography

Advocate Bience Gawanas is a known and respected Namibian lawyer, diplomat, and passionate advocate for social justice. On January 23, 2025, she was formally installed as the Chancellor of the University of Warwick, a role where she serves as the ceremonial head and an ambassador for the university's core values of academic excellence, diversity, and social impact.

Bringing over four decades of unparalleled experience in law, human rights, and global leadership, Advocate Gawanas has dedicated her career to championing social justice, gender equality, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Her extensive international contributions include serving as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor on Africa and African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs. Domestically, she held pivotal roles within the Namibian government, including Ombudswoman and Public Service Commissioner.

Her commitment to liberation began during apartheid South Africa's occupation of Namibia, leading her into exile. It was during this period that she came to the University of Warwick as a refugee on a scholarship, graduating with an LLB Honours in 1986. She further qualified as a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in 1987. Upon her return to Namibia in 1989, she played a crucial role in shaping the newly independent nation.

Beyond her Warwick degree, she holds an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town and honorary Doctorates from both the University of Warwick and the University of Western Cape. Her significant contributions have been widely recognized, including receiving Namibia's second-highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Most Brilliant Order of the Sun, First Class from the Namibian President.

As Chancellor, she is particularly driven to promote intergenerational dialogues and to inspire young women, especially Black women, to transcend their circumstances and confidently pursue leadership positions, shaping a more just and equitable future.

Role of the Chancellor

The Chancellor is the formal Head of the University, whose official duties are to confer degrees on behalf of the University. Beyond the formal and representational duties, the new Chancellor will play a key role in the University’s life by promoting the work and ambitions of the University in the UK and overseas. The Chancellor will also play an important role in the development and fundraising activities of the University.