Jody Williams became the tenth woman in its almost 100-year history to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (1997). Organizer and activist, teacher and writer, she is an internationally recognized speaker on the power of individuals to bring about dramatic change in the world.
Professor Williams served as the founding coordinator of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which began in early 1992 with two non-governmental organizations and a staff of one - Jody Williams. She oversaw the growth of the coalition to over 1,300 organizations working together from 95 countries to eliminate antipersonnel landmines. Working in an unprecedented cooperative effort with governments, UN bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), she served as a chief strategist and spokesperson for the ICBL as it dramatically achieved its goal of an international treaty banning antipersonnel landmines during a diplomatic conference held in Oslo in September 1997. Three weeks later, she and the ICBL were awarded the Peace Prize.
Since February 1998, Jody has served as a Campaign Ambassador for the ICBL, speaking on its behalf all over the world. She is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Social Work and Global Justice, in the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston. Prior to beginning the ICBL, Jody worked for eleven years to build public awareness about U.S. policy toward Central America. From 1986 to 1992, she developed and directed humanitarian relief projects as the deputy director of the Los Angeles-based Medical Aid for El Salvador. From 1984-1986, she co-coordinated the Nicaragua-Honduras Education Project, leading fact-finding delegations to the region. Prior to that, she taught Spanish, as well as English as a Second Language in Mexico, the U.K. and the U.S.
Professor Williams continues to be recognized for her contributions to human rights and global security. She is the recipient of fourteen honorary degrees, among other recognitions. In 2004, she was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world.
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