United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday announced Sima Bahous of Jordan as Executive Director of UN Women.
Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric made the announcement at a press briefing in UN Headquarters, New York.
Bahous succeeds Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka whom the scribe thanked for her commitment and dedicated service in leading UN-Women.
Guterres extended his appreciation to the UN Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, who will continue to serve as Acting ED until Bahous assumes the position.
Bahous is an advocate for women and girls, gender equality and youth empowerment, quality education, poverty alleviation and inclusive governance.
She is an expert in addressing discrimination and violence, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The new director brings to the position over 35 years of leadership experience at the grassroots, national, regional and international levels.
Bahous served as Permanent Representative of Jordan to the UN and Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the UN Development Programme from 2012 to 2016.
She was Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Development Sector at the League of Arab States from 2008 to 2012.
Bahous served in two ministerial posts in Jordan as President of the Higher Media Council from 2005 to 2008 and as Adviser to King Abdullah II from 2003 to 2005.