Abrahams, Ottilie Grete (1937–)

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Abrahams, Ottilie Grete (1937–)

Namibian political leader and physician. Born Ottilie Grete Schimming in Windhoek, South West Africa (now Namibia), 1937; graduate of University of Cape Town, 1961; m. Kenneth Godfrey Abrahams, 1961.

Founding member of the South West Africa Student Body (SWASB), a predecessor of the major nationalist parties; deeply involved with the newly formed South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO); served as secretary-general of the Namibian Independence Party (NIP); her efforts were crucial in the establishment of an independent Namibia.

See also Women in World History.