Konie, Gwendoline (1938–)

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Konie, Gwendoline (1938–)

Zambian diplomat. Name variations: Gwendoline Chomba Konie. Born 1938 in Lusaka, Zambia; studied at University College, Cardiff, Wales, and at American University, Washington DC.

Worked in Ministry of Local Government and Social Welfare and became member of Legislative Council; worked in Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1964) and in Presidential Office (1972); was Zambian ambassador to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland (1974–77); represented Zambia at UN, chairing UN Council for Namibia, and from 1979 worked as permanent secretary in Zambian Civil Service; started Social Democratic Party (SDF); was one of two women who made history as presidential candidates (2001).