The daughter of a Sierra Leone market woman, Zainab Hawa Bangura became known for documenting sexual violence against women and speaking out against the atrocities and corruption during that nation’s decade-long civil war.

She also became a target for assassination attempts, but in 1996 Sierra Leone held its first democratic election in 25 years, with its success partly attributed to Bangura’s work.

https://womensenews.org/story/21-leaders-the-21st-century/131216/21-women-leaders-2014-seven-who-carry-our-health-forward#.Usvjv9JdWbM