Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah

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Overview

Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah born Kolkata, India July 22, 1917 (d. 2000). Pakistani diplomat and author; PhD London; as delegate to UN influenced Human Rights Declaration and Genocide Convention.

Quotations

"[I]t was imperative that the peoples of the world should recognize the existence of a code of civilized behavior which would apply not only in international relations, but also in domestic affairs." (1946, International Council on Archives, in Human Rights Working Group, 2011; photo Pakistan36odegree.com)

Jahanara Imam

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Overview

Jahanara Imam born Sundapur, Murshidabad, West Bengal, British India May 3, 1929 (d. 1994). “Mother of Martyrs.” Led movement for trial of criminals of Bangladeshi War of Liberation 1971; author and teacher.

Quotations

“This was a systematic attempt to destroy our cultural, political, economic and moral backbone—a genocide more horrifying than even that of Hitler's.” (UPI Sabir Mustafa, April 2, 1992)

“[T]here is no one more committed than the people. People are power. So I commit the responsibility of the fight to bring [the leader] Golam Azam and the war criminals of 1971 to justice and to continue to champion the Spirit of the Liberation War to you—the people of Bangladesh. For certain, victory will be ours.” (Last message, Women Contribution in Bangladesh, Dec. 8, 2008; photo Wikipedia)

Gulalai Ismail

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Overview

Gulalai Ismail born Peshawar, India October 30, 1986. Co-founded Aware Girls to assert women’s rights, 2002; founded Seeds of Peace to promote women’s promotion of peace, 2010.

Quotations

“Peace is not just the absence of war, it is about respect and tolerance—and women have an important role in educating their children.” (The Guardian, May 16, 2011; photo interplay.unoy.org)