Bruntland, Gro Harlem (1939–)
Bruntland, Gro Harlem (1939–)
Norwegian politician. Name variations: Bruddland, Brundtland. Born in Oslo, Norway, in 1939; attended university in Oslo and Harvard University; m. Arne Olav, 1960; children: 4.
First woman prime minister of Norway and one of her nation's most influential politicians abroad, was a physician with a particular interest in public health; gained reputation while serving in various local health-care organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, the Oslo City Health Department, and the Oslo School Health Services; appointed Minister of Environmental Affairs (1974); became vice chair of Labor Party (1975); after leaving government service (1979), ran for president of Labor Party, winning over-whelming support from local constituencies; upon resignation of Odvar Nordli, took over as head of the minority government (1980); became 1st woman prime minister of Norway (1981) but served for only an 8-month period; upon reelection (1986), appointed a number of women to Cabinet posts and facilitated the election of more women to governmental positions; also worked on a plan to ease Norway's economic decline; as chair of United Nations Commission of the Environment, led discussions on corporate responsibility for environmental health; resigned (1996).
See also Women in World History.