Jody Williams

American political activist known for her work in banning anti-personnel landmines

Jody Williams in 2001

Jody Williams (born October 9, 1950) is an American political activist known for her work in banning anti-personnel landmines. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for her efforts in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which she helped found.

Early life and education

Jody Williams was born in Brattleboro, Vermont. She attended the University of Vermont, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. She later received a Master of Arts in teaching Spanish and English as a second language from the School for International Training in 1974, and a Master of Arts in international relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in 1984.

Career

Williams began her career working on issues related to Central America, including the Nicaraguan Revolution and the Salvadoran Civil War. She worked with various organizations, including the Nicaragua-Honduras Education Project and the El Salvador Human Rights Commission.

International Campaign to Ban Landmines

In 1991, Williams was appointed to coordinate the newly formed International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Under her leadership, the campaign grew to include over 1,300 organizations in more than 90 countries. The ICBL's efforts culminated in the Ottawa Treaty, which was signed in 1997 and prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

Nobel Peace Prize

In recognition of her work with the ICBL, Jody Williams was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, which she shared with the campaign itself. The Nobel Committee praised her "sustained and effective work" in bringing about the treaty.

Later work

After receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Williams continued her advocacy work. She has been involved in various initiatives related to human rights, disarmament, and peace. She is a founding member of the Nobel Women's Initiative, which was established in 2006 to promote women's rights worldwide.

Publications

Williams has authored and co-authored several books and articles on peace and disarmament. Her memoir, My Name is Jody Williams: A Vermont Girl's Winding Path to the Nobel Peace Prize, was published in 2013.

Related pages

• Nobel Peace Prize
• International Campaign to Ban Landmines
• Ottawa Treaty
• Nobel Women's Initiative