Edith Ballantyne

My first meeting with Edith and my first experience of WILPF International was at the 1992 congress in Bolivia. Edith was retiring as secretary and was elected as president. She was greeted with great warmth and respect by all who knew her.

She was quietly spoken but impressive and in command. She knew personally women who had attended international meetings in the past and made a point of getting to know new members.

As I was sitting a few rows behind her feeling very ignorant and keeping quiet, I was taken by surprise when I heard her say “what do you think Margaret?”

She seemed to understand the circumstances in the various countries that women came from and her solidarity with them in their concerns was obvious. She was familiar with anything at the United Nations that related to peace, women and human rights and was able to give advice about how to use the instruments of the UN.

She did great service to the women everywhere and well deserved the respect and gratitude we have for her.

May her example continue to inspire WILPF women long into the future.