Belishova, Liri (1923–)

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Belishova, Liri (1923–)

Albanian politician and partisan leader. Born in the village of Belishova. 1923; graduate of Tirana Girls Pedagogical Institute; m. Nako Spiru (member of Communist Politburo).

While fighting against German and Italian occupying forces (1941–44), was wounded and lost an eye; served as president of People's Youth (1946–47); because of suicide of husband (1947), was purged and exiled, then politically rehabilitated and elected to Central Committee of Albanian Communist Party (ACP, 1948); elected to Central Committee and Politburo of ACP; elevated to important post of secretary of the party secretariat (1954), among the few women in Albania's leadership elite.

See also Women in World History.