Mrs. Bience Gawanas is a distinguished Namibian lawyer, diplomat, and social justice advocate. She has served as the Special Adviser on Africa for the United Nations from 2018 to 2020 and has held various significant positions within the Namibian government, including Ombudswoman and Public Service Commissioner.
Gawanas is also the Chancellor of the University of Warwick, where she started her new role in January 2025. Her career is marked by her commitment to human rights, social development, and gender equality, and she has been involved in numerous non-governmental organizations. Gawanas has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the field of human rights and social development, including an award from the International Planned Parenthood Federation for Most Outstanding Contribution to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.