Pedersen, Helga (1911–1980)

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Pedersen, Helga (1911–1980)

Danish lawyer and politician. Born Inger Helga Pedersen, June 24, 1911, in Hulby Møllegård, Tårnborg, Denmark; died Jan 27, 1980, in Korsør, Denmark; dau. of Jens Peder Nicolaj Pedersen (1877–1955) and Vilhelmine Sofie Kolding (1884–1973).

A member of the Danish Parliament (1950–71), distinguished herself as an advocate of prison and penal reform and the advancement of women's legal status; was appointed the 1st woman judge at the European Court of Human Rights (1971); also served as a supreme court justice and as a delegate to UNESCO (1949–74). Received the gold medal from Association of World Peace Through Law.