Vijaya Lakshmi Nehru Pandit born Allahabad, India August 18, 1900 (d. 1991). Gandhian nonviolent resister, 1919; jailed for civil disobedience 1932, 1940, 1942; Vice President WILPF India chapter. First woman president UN General Assembly, 1953; ambassador to USSR, US, UK.
"The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war." (photo Wikipedia)
Farah Pandith born Srinigar, India January 13, 1968. Appointed first US State Dept. Special Representative to Muslim Communities, 2009.
"How can we provide positive alternatives, so that a young person. . . is able to find support from those who will guide them down a nonviolent path which allows for pluralism, respect for others' views." (Fletcher School, Jan. 28, 2010; 2011 photo Wikipedia)
Maniben Patel born Karamsad, Gujarat, India April 3, 1903 (d. 1990). Nonviolent freedom fighter, member of Gandhi's ashram; arrested many times; 12 years in prison; took over Dharasana salt raids 1930; postwar member of parliament.
Ilaben Pathak born Gujarat, India May 23, 1933 (d. 2014). Pioneering feminist. Gandhian social reformer; linguistics professor. President, WILPF India; vice-president, WILPF International. Co-founded Ahmedabad Women’s Action Group (AWAG), 1981.
Threatened with guns, she replied: “Go on, shoot me if it will make you feel better, dear.” (Reema Jadela in WILPF obit, Jan. 17, 2014)
Her slogan: “Silence is not a virtue, Break the silence of oppression.” (photo cowomaniya.com)
Medha Patkar born Mumbai, India December 1, 1954. Gandhian; nonviolent protester against Narvada dams; march and fast for life, 1986; recipient of Alternate Nobel Prize, 1991.
"Satyagraha is a part of our nonviolent agitational strategy, where people challenge the impacts, but also in a way appeal to the governments and whosoever to take cognizance of the situation and the relevant issues, and change their position." (interview Venu Govindu, Aug. 1999; photo 2002 Wikipedia)
Radha Paudel born Chitwan, Nepal December 29, 1973. Nurse during Nepalese civil war; founder and president of Action Works Nepal (AWON). Recipient of N-Peace Award, 2012.
"No women, no peace." (UNDP, October 25, 2012; photo Smith College WPSP)
Dadi Prakashmani born Hyderabad, India January 1, 1924 (d. 2007). Spiritual leader of Brahma Kumaris. Awarded UN Peace Medal for Million Minutes for Peace, 1984.
"Only a powerful soul can offer Love." (quote and photo: Brahma Kumari website http://bit.ly/wd5wZ4)
Women in Peace
is dedicated to highlighting the achievements of extraordinary, peacemaking women from around the world.
