Women peacemakers born today

1863 Martina Gezina Kramers born Veur, Holland (d. 1935). Dutch internationalist, feminist, social democrat; spoke 12 languages; founded International Correspondence which got attention to women's issues in League of Nations and ILO.
1897 Adrienne Thomas born St. Avold, Alsace-Lorraine (d.1980). German author. Published antiwar novel Katrin Becomes a Soldier, translated into 16 languages, 1930. Her works were banned by Nazi regime; went into exile, 1933.
1911 Helga Pedersen born Tårnborg, Denmark (d. 1980). First woman judge of European Human Rights Court 1971; Chief Justice of Denmark; Delegate to UN 1958-59; UNESCO 1966, 1968, 1970.
1928 Mrinal Gore born Mumbai, India (d. 2012). “The Water Lady,” known for bringing water to slums. Led numerous Gandhi-inspired nonviolent protests, marches, sit-ins, pickets, and fasts, including women’s rolling-pin demonstration. Socialist member of Parliament, 1977-80. Nobel Peace Prize nominee, 2005.
1933 Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich born Niagara Falls, NY. African-American civil rights leader; professor of political science; Fulbright professor Univ. of Munich; head of Black Leadership Forum.
1944 Melanne Verveer born Pottsville, PA. First US Ambassador for Women's Global Issues, 2009; co-founded Vital Voices Global Partnership for empowering women, 2000.

Women's peacemaking on this day

1955 Agnes Simpson sent historic circular leading to Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). "H-bomb experiment taking place now will cause the suffering and death. . . of children not yet born."
1982 323 women arrested in 24-hour blockade of Greenham Common.
1986 Topless Picnic at Cobbs Hill Park, Rochester, NY; seven women arrested.
2011 Women of Barbacoas, Colombia began “Crossed Legs” sex strike.