Mahawa Bangoura Camara

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Overview

Mahawa Bangoura Camara born Conakry, Guinea March 13, 1927. Guinea’s representative to the UN. Ambassador to US, 1995; Guinean Foreign Minister, 2000-02.

Quotations

On responding to 9/11: “The new collective challenge is to bring to light the image of a world of equality, dignity, equity and international solidarity, translated into an economic and social cooperation and in a real ‘social adjustment,’ having the human being as a centre of reference.” (UN Chronicle, Dec. 2001; photo smolec.pl)

Claudia Cardinale

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Overview

Claudia Cardinale born La Goulette, Tunis April 15, 1938. Italian film actress. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s Rights, 2000; Ambassador for Water Day, 2006.

Quotations

“How can we ensure peace on earth? First, by managing our resources wisely. . . Good actions and wise choices lead to better options and open other avenues because they are embarked on with love, and once love is awakened, it cannot be hampered—it consumes everything.” (Cathy Lee, The Future of Drylands, pp. 37-38; photo Wikipedia)

Motlalepula Chabaku

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Overview

Motlalepula Chabaku born Johannesburg, South Africa November 19, 1933 (d. 2012). Anti-Apartheid leader of ANC; Methodist minister; President Voice of Women (VOW).

Quotations

“Hate is not the most effective way. So many of us hate each other because of our positions, because you oppose me. This makes us slaves of those we hate. No, the very person you hate is the person you have got to win." (Breaking the Chain of Hate—FORGIVENESS)

“Women have a special role of working for peace and liberation because we have a great power of peace.” (Joyce Hollyday interview, 2005, Crucible of Fire; photo initiatives of change)

Monique Chemillier-Gendreau

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Overview

Monique Chemillier-Gendreau born Antananarivo, Madagascar April 14, 1935. French jurist, professor of international law; numerous cases at World Court; sponsor of Russell Tribunal on Palestine; critical of US violation of international law in Vietnam agent orange, Iraq, Kosovo, Guantanamo.

Quotations

“The march toward catastrophe and the climb toward the apocalypse are not projections of depressed souls. The burden of militarization of all societies is a reality. The development of world industry is oriented toward preparation for war, and not for peace or for the welfare of its peoples.” (De la Guerre; photo youtube.com)

Janet Cherry

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Overview

Janet Cherry born Cape Town, South Africa October 12, 1961. South African white opponent of Apartheid; underground ANC; Secretary-General National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) 1982; joined Black Sash 1984; led End Conscription Campaign “Troops Out” 1985-8; detained without charges each year 1981, 1985-8; house arrest 1989; trainer for Centre for Nonviolent Action and Strategies (CANVAS) Belgrade, professor after liberation.

Quotations

“Inside South Africa, the vast majority of the leaders and members supported the ANC and its armed struggle—or its moral right to take up arms in a ‘just war’—however we understood that we could be more effective in mobilizing people against the state through mass action, and the use of violence would undermine our organizations and render them vulnerable.” (Mary E. King, A Quiet Revolution, p. 319; photo youtube.com)

Gaositwe K.T. Chiepe

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Overview

Gaositwe K.T. Chiepe born Serowe, Bechuanaland August 20, 1926. First woman in Botswana cabinet 1974; top ambassador, 10 years Foreign Minister 1984-94; active in negotiation of Lomé Conventions for European trade and aid to Africa 1975; supported UN measures against Apartheid and promoted Namibian independence; observed elections Zanzibar, Zimbabwe 2000.

Quotations

On Apartheid: "It would indeed be unnatural to expect millions of people denied basic human rights to fold their arms and resign themselves to perpetual servitude." (Botswana Daily News, Jan. 29, 1984; photo proudlyafrican.info)

Nan Cross

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Overview

Nan Cross born Pretoria, South Africa January 3, 1928 (d. 2007). South African opponent of Apartheid and conscription. Co-founded Conscientious Objector Support Group, 1980; End Conscription Campaign, 1983; Ceasefire Campaign against arms trade, 1993. Climbed onto tank at arms show with sign: "Arms are for hugging, not killing" (Mail & Guardian, July 14, 2007)