Elizabeth Williams (22 May 1943 – 17 March 2020) was a peace activist from Northern Ireland. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Life and career
She was born on 22 May 1943, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She enrolled at St. Mary’s Training College in Belfast, where she developed a passion for teaching. During this time, she also engaged in various community activities, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of sectarian violence on innocent lives.
Betty co-founded the organization Women for Peace. Together with co-founder Mairead Corrigan, she embarked on a journey that would capture the attention of the world. Their efforts garnered support from people of all backgrounds, transcending religious and political divides. Their work for peace took them to various parts of the globe, including the United States and Europe, where they advocated for an end to violence and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Betty’s powerful speeches and unwavering commitment to peace inspired countless individuals and brought international attention to the situation in Northern Ireland.
She died on 17 March 2020, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Award and Legacy
In 1976, she and Mairead Corrigan were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their courageous efforts to build bridges of understanding and bring an end to the violence in Northern Ireland.
Her legacy continues to resonate today. Her relentless pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation has inspired generations to work toward a better future. Through her organization, Community of Peace People, she laid the foundation for ongoing initiatives focused on conflict resolution and social change.
His impact extended far beyond Northern Ireland, as her message of peace transcended borders and touched hearts worldwide. Her unwavering belief in the power of ordinary individuals to effect positive change remains a guiding light for activists and peacemakers everywhere.