Kusala Abhayavardhana

Overview

Kusala Abhayavardhana born Ceylon November 1, 1920. Sri Lankan member of parliament 1970-7; WILPF national chair; co-founded Civil Service International in Sri Lanka; founding secretary International Women’s Year Sri Lanka.

Quotations

“[T]his year is not only for women's liberation but for the liberation of the whole of our society from the shackles that keep us imprisoned in our poverty and unemployment.” (“Listen to Women for a Change”, Kay Camp; photo lankareporter.co)

Krishna Ahooja-Patel

Overview

Krishna Ahooja-Patel born Amritsar, India March 15, 1929. Canadian professor. International Labour Office, 1969-86; UN official, 1987-90; International president of WILPF, 2001-04.

Quotations

“September 11 globalized violence. We must globalize peace.” (Lisa Legatto interview, St. Mary's Univ. 1992; photo world-citizenshp.org)

Shinjita Alam

Overview

Shinjita Alam (née Hasina Akter) born Gandhabbapur, Lakshmipur, Bangladesh June 29, 1967. Muslim social worker and peace activist. Oversaw agricultural and job creation programs for Bangladesh Mennonite Central Committee. Started peace awareness committees, 2001. Developed conflict resolution programs for Bangladesh's Garo and Manipuri minority communities, 2006-07. Joined Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Women PeaceMakers Program, 2008.

Quotations

“Real education makes a person a compassionate human being who cares for the betterment of us all. Education gives us power to change things.” (Ilze Dzenovska,“The Candle of Bangladesh”, p. 34; photo bd.linkedin.com)

Aruna Asaf Ali

Overview

Aruna Asaf Ali (née Ganguly) born Kalka, Punjab, India July 16, 1908 (d. 1996). Socialist freedom fighter; "Grand Old Lady" of nonviolent independence movement; first mayor of Delhi; facilitated liberation of Goa; jailed in independence movement 1930, 1932, 1941; Nehru Peace Prize 1996, Lenin Peace Prize 1964.

Quotations

"I had decided we would not beg for freedom—we would fight for it."

Srinivasa Ambujammal

Overview

Srinivasa Ambujammal born Chennai, India January 8, 1899. Gandhian organizer; president of Women's Swadeshi League; organizer for Women's Voluntary Corps; jailed 6 months in Vellore for civil disobedience, 1932.

Kothainayaki Ammal

Overview

Kothainayaki Ammal born Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India December 1, 1901 (d. 1960). Author of 115 novels; playwright; classical singer and composer; editor; speaker; supporter of Vinoba Bhave's nonviolence efforts. Indian freedom fighter; Gandhian follower; twice imprisoned, once for eight months. (photo http://bit.ly/xKIFaK)

Mata Amritanandamayi

Overview

Mata Amritanandamayi born Parayakadavu, Kerala, India September 16, 1957. Hindu guru "The Hugging Saint"; Gandhi/King Prize for nonviolence 2002; active in tsunami relief 2004; promoted empowering women.

Quotations

"[A] life inspired by love and service to humanity is possible." (July 4, 2004, Amritapuri.org; photo thefamouspeople.com)

Neidonuo Angami

Overview

Neidonuo Angami born Kohima, Nagaland, India October 1, 1950. Naga peacemaker. Co-founded Naga Mother’s Association, 1984. Led the "Shed No More Blood" campaign to end civil war, 1994. Participated in many peace negotiations to bring about ceasefire, 1997. Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 2005.

Quotations

"Peace is always in the making. It is not an event. There is no success in peace making. It is always in the making." (quote & photo worldpeoplesblog)

Aung San Suu Kyi

Overview

Aung San Suu Kyi born Rangoon, Burma June 19, 1945. Politician; human rights advocate. Lived 15 years under house arrest as political prisoner. Received Sakharov Prize, 1990; Nobel Peace Prize, 1991; Nehru Award, 1992.

Quotations

“If we love and cherish each other as much as we can while we can, I am sure love and compassion will triumph in the end.” (letter to Michael Aris, c. 1971)

“The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to resolve in more enduring, tolerant, just, and peaceful life for all." (Krishna Malik, “Three Case Studies”; photo Nobel Prize)