Mntwana, Ida (1903–1960)

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Mntwana, Ida (1903–1960)

South African activist. Name variations: Ida Flyo Mntwana, Mtwana or Mtwa. Born 1903; died 1960; worked as a dressmaker.

Elected 1st president of the African National Congress Women's League (1949); helped organize South African women's participation in demonstrations, marches, boycotts, strikes and civil disobedience especially over the issue of passes; with need for an autonomous organization to advocate for women's issues, signed invitation for inaugural conference of the Federation of South African Women (FSAW, 1953); served as 1st National president of FSAW (1954–56); was one of the defendants in the marathon Treason trials (1956–1961); when South Africa's Women's Monument, built to honor the vital part women played in the fight against apartheid, was unveiled (Aug 9, 2000), was among those women cited as "torchbearers."

See also Women in World History.