August 20
/Women peacemakers born today
1881 Rosa Manus born Amsterdam (d. 1943). Dutch feminist and pacifist; WILPF founding member; archivist founded IAV International Archive of Women 1935; visited women Latin America with Carrie Chapman Catt, 1921-23; deported and died in Nazi concentration camp Ravensbrück.
1905 Alice Wedega born Alo Alo, Papua New Guinea (d. 1987). Peacemaker at home and Northern Ireland; first woman legislator 1961; conscientious objector.
1907 Marthe Dortel-Claudot born Vic-sur-Cère, France. Co-founded nonviolent Catholic fellowship Pax Christi 1945 for reconciliation with Germans.
1926 Gaositwe K.T. Chiepe born Serowe, Bechuanaland. 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.
1932 Lonnie Nelson born Seattle, WA (d. 2014). Communist labor leader; civic organizer; protested Vietnam War; supported Stockholm Peace Appeal. Founded Seattle Mothers for Police Accountability (MFPA); arrested 3 times for civil disobedience for Indian fishing rights, against Apartheid, and Medicare cuts.
1936 Undine von Blottnitz born Berlin, Germany (d. 2001). Politician; dedicated to nonviolence, sustainable ecology, and anti-nuclear action. Member of European Parliament, 1984-89, 1994-99.
1942 Alison Des Forges (née Liebhafsky) born Schenectady, NY (d. 2009). Human rights activist; expert on Rwanda genocide and Congo.
Women's peacemaking on this day
1991 Nonviolent resistance to coup Moscow led by Russana reached critical stage.
1991 Moana Cole of New Zealand and Sue Frankel-Streit sentenced one year prison for Griffis AFB New Year's Dayprotest.
2009 Second Women's International Grassroots Peace Congress held under the theme "Women, Peace and Community," Meru, Kenya.
2011 First African Slut Walk against sexual violence, Capetown.