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Irene PetryBelgian politician
Date of Birth: .
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Early Life and Education
Irène Petry was born into a working-class family in Belgium, growing up with five brothers. Her parents' involvement in the Belgian Workers' Party instilled in her a passion for politics from a young age. She attended a commercial school, graduating in 1942. However, financial constraints and the wartime occupation of Belgium prevented her from pursuing university studies. Instead, she engaged in socialist adult education programs, language classes, and conferences.
Feminist Activism
In the 1950s, Petry became a prominent member of "Femmes prévoyantes socialistes," a feminist organization fighting for economic and legal equality between men and women. She championed decriminalizing abortion, organized strikes by working women, and advocated for their rights and demands. From 1959 to 1964, she served on the Uccle municipal council. In 1966, she represented the Socialist International in the International Council of Women and became vice president of its Women's Section.
Political Career
By the early 1970s, Petry had shifted her focus to Belgian politics, joining the Socialist Party. In 1973, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Edmond Leburton's government, where she oversaw the General Directorate for Cooperation and Development. She was elected to the Chamber of Representatives in 1974 and to the Senate from Liège province from 1977 to 1984. From 1980 to 1982, she presided over the Parliament of the French Community of Belgium.
Later Years
In 1984, Petry was appointed a judge of the Belgian Constitutional Court, which she chaired from 1991 to 1992. She also served as a member of the Arbitration Commission for Former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1992.
Throughout her career, Irène Petry demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and international cooperation. Her legacy as a feminist activist, politician, and jurist continues to inspire generations of changemakers.