Dobson, Ruth (1918–1989)

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Dobson, Ruth (1918–1989)

Australian diplomat. Name variations: Ruth Lissant Dobson. Born in 1918; died Dec 14, 1989; attended Frensham School where her mother was housemistress; Women's College, BA, 1940.

Became research assistant to Deparment of External Affairs (1943); worked at External Affairs Office, Australian High Commission in London (1946–49); served as 3rd secretary in Geneva (1950–53) and was on the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the UN drafting the convention of the Status of Women; served as 2nd secretary to Information Branch, Canberra (1954–60); elevated to 1st secretary, Australian High Commission, Wellington (1961); assigned to NY as Australian representative at UN General Assembly (1969); served as counselor and deputy head of mission, Australian Embassy in Athens (1971–74); served as ambassador to Denmark (1974–78), the 1st woman career diplomat to be an Australian ambassador; served as ambassador to the Republic of Ireland (1978–81). Awarded OBE (1982).