Berg, Helene (b. 1906)

views updated

Berg, Helene (b. 1906)

German political activist. Name variations: Lene Berg; Lene Ring. Born in Mannheim, Germany, April 4, 1906; attended Lenin School in Moscow, 1931–32.

One of the very few women to play a significant role in the leadership of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), trained to be a dressmaker; joined the Socialist Worker's Youth League (1921); joined the Communist Party of Germany (KPD, 1927); was involved in underground activities against the Nazis (1933–35); immigrated to Soviet Union (1935), but barely escaped the gulag; returned to Germany (1946); was active in propaganda and ideological work for Socialist Unity Party (SED); served as director of Institute for Social Sciences, Berlin (1951–58); was a candidate and member of Central Committee of SED (1958–89); was active in political life of GDR until collapse of Communist rule (1989).

See also Women in World History.