Fatou BENSOUDA (°1961)
Profession: Judge, lawyer, and minister
Nationality: Gambian
Why an honorary doctorate?
On 28 May 2013, the honorary doctorate is conferred on Fatou Bensouda, who is unable to attend. In a video, she talks about the fight against genocide and war crimes. On 24 October 2013, Bensouda receives her doctor honoris causa in person.
Lauded battle by women
VUB is never blind to inexhaustible humane efforts in the fight for equality. All honorary doctorates of 2013 go to women. This is a conscious choice. It is in line with the active gender policy of VUB to create a balance between men and women in the academic world. Top women also deserve a place on the highest stage. Throughout her career, Bensouda has been a huge advocate against violence and injustice that revolves around gender identity and children.
A righteous voice for victims
Being righteous when injustice strikes cunningly from the dark. Often a titanic struggle. One that always demands extremely vigilant attention. But every victory strengthens confidence; that there is hope, that bending does not mean breaking. Being heard, seeing and acknowledging what is inhumane; this does not heal, but it helps stem the figurative bleeding. Hopefully. The voice of victims must continue to be heard, louder, more fiercely, and more passionately. So that one day it will be better.
Leading lady
The (most read) pan-African magazine ‘Jeune Afrique' put her at number four in its list of most influential Africans in 2010.
The righteous path
As a young girl, she sneaks into the local courts after school to secretly follow court proceedings.
“As a victim-oriented person, I like to see that the victims know they have a voice.”
About her career
Legal superwoman
Position: Prosecutor and judge at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Justice: Strict action against crimes against women and children
Studies: Law, Nigeria Law School
Expertise: International Maritime Law Malta
The road to justice
31 January 1961. In Banjul, Gambia, Fatou Bom Nyang (later Bensouda by marriage) is born into a large Muslim family. Her father, Gaye Nyang, is Banjul's most famous wrestling promoter who even has a sports arena in his name. Bensouda's desire for justice rears its head early. As a young girl, she sneaks into the local courts after school to secretly follow court proceedings. It is not surprising that Fatou starts studying law and quickly finds her professional niche.
In 1987, President of The Gambia Sir Dawda Jawara appoints her as a public prosecutor. Less than seven years later, in February 1994, she takes on the position of Deputy Director of the Public Prosecutor's Office. She plays a central role in the early years of the new President YahYa Jammeh, who comes to power in 1996. Bensouda's actions are met with controversial echoes. Some praise her for her tough stance against crimes against women and children; others criticise her for her alleged negligence in the horrors to which the dictator Jammeh subjects his citizens.
Fatou Bensouda passionately continues her legal journey. From 1998 to 2000, she is Minister of Justice in The Gambia, then goes to work as a legal advisor and prosecutor at the Rwanda Tribunal in Tanzania. There she continues to fight for justice until 2004. That same year, she becomes deputy prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, under Chief Prosecutor Ocampo. When he exchanges his cassock for his pension in 2012, Bensouda takes his place. The Assembly of the States unanimously elects her as his successor.
Things will be different in that Criminal Court. Ocampa had a reputation for being arrogant and dictatorial; Bensouda is softer and more approachable. She prefers to be called just Fatou.
What is an honorary doctorate?
VUB has awarded honorary doctorates every year since 1978 to personalities from the most diverse backgrounds who have made a remarkable contribution to their field and to society. From this solemn moment of recognition, they bear the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of VUB.