Atifete Jahjaga born Ðakovica, Yugoslavia April 20, 1975. World’s youngest head of state, Kosovo, 2011-17; promoted peace and reconciliation.
“The power of women in the politics is a soft power. It is a positive change that our country and other countries in the region. . . are making by giving a chance to women.” (Seattle Times, Mar. 9, 2013; photo Wikipedia)
Marie-Luise Jahn born Sandlack, East Prussia (now Sȩdławki, Poland) May 28, 1918 (d. 2010). Peace advocate; physician. Member of anti-Nazi White Rose resistance; sentenced to 12 years hard labor, 1944.
"Our people stand ready to rebel against the National Socialist enslavement of Europe in a fervent new breakthrough of freedom and honor." (conclusion of last White Rose leaflet she distributed in Hamburg; photo Wikipedia)
Wanda Jakubowska born Warsaw, Russian Poland October 10, 1907 (d. 1998). Auschwitz survivor film The Last Stage, 1947 about concentration camps. Only female winner of International Peace Prize, 1950.
“May Auschwitz never happen again. . . never again!” (last words of Marta Weiss)
Ivana Janů born Plazy, Czechoslovakia March 14, 1946. International lawyer and judge. Head of Czech delegation to Council of Europe, 1992; judge on European Court of Human Rights, 2004. Convicted head of Bosnian Krajina region of war crimes, 1993; presided over Yugoslav War Crimes Tribunal (ICTY), 2001-2004.
“The Trial Chamber finds you guilty of Persecutions as a crime against humanity. . . Willful killing. . . Torture. . . Wanton destruction of cities, towns and villages or devastation not justified by military necessity as a violation of the laws and customs of war. . . Destruction or willful damage done to institutions dedicated to religion as a violation of the laws and customs of war. We sentence you, Radoslav Brdjanin, to a single sentence of 32 years of imprisonment.” (photo ICTY)
Biljana Jovanovic born Belgrade, Yugoslavia January 28, 1953 (d. 1996). Yugoslav Serbian poet, playwright and novelist; feminist. Early critic of communist repression, 1960s; opposed breakup of Yugoslavia and nationalist wars that followed. Co-founded antiwar Civil Resistance Movement, 1992.
"[V]iolence begets more violence and always turns against its instigators first." (b92 interview, November 1, 2013)
Women in Peace
is dedicated to highlighting the achievements of extraordinary, peacemaking women from around the world.
