Meet the First European Member to Hold This United Nations Assignment

Ana Maria Bonny Hernandez was recently called as the new representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the NGO Committee on the Status of Women in Geneva, Switzerland. Her work began immediately.

Bonny, who is from Spain, is the first European member of the Church to hold this assignment. She replaces Sister Carol F. McConkie, who was associated with the committee beginning in April 2019.

In a report from the Church’s U.K. Newsroom, Sister McConkie said that during her time in the role, she “rejoiced in the sweet association of remarkable women who represent a variety of non-governmental organizations, and who advocate for the physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being and advancement of women and girls.”

The Committee on the Status of Women group promotes gender equality and the empowerment and defense of the rights of women and girls everywhere.

Bonny was born in Madrid, Spain, to parents who joined the Church in 1976. The family moved to Geneva in 1982.

 
Ana Bonny married Martin Bonny, who is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1997. Their oldest son, Adam, is married, while their children Beatriz and David live at home. Their son Luis previously passed away, an experience that Ana Bonny said “allowed us to feel a deep love from our Heavenly Father, learn and feel how the veil that separates this mortal realm from heaven thinned, leaving us indelible emotions for all eternity.”

Her new assignment came as a surprise, but she’s grateful to feel the love of the Savior, Bonny said.

“My wish is to be able to support all the women in this world and contribute with all my love for the well-being of each one of them,” she said.

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