Sonya Davies: a great New Zealander

“A great New Zealand activist and trade unionist, and a great role model for women” is how CTU president Ross Wilson describes former trade union leader, Member of Parliament and activist Sonya Davies who died today.

Sonya Davies was a lifelong activist and trade unionist who in 1983 was elected the first woman Vice President of the N Z Federation of Labour (the predecessor to the Council of Trade Unions).

Sonya was also a Founder President of the NZ Childcare Association, a founder of the NZ Working Women’s Council, a member of Parliament and an Executive Member of the World Peace Council.

“Sonya was a remarkable woman whose life is marked by milestones of activism and leadership on issues relating to workers rights, child care and low and equal pay and opportunities for women, nuclear disarmament and peace.” Ross Wilson said.

“Her achievements were recognised by her membership of the Order of New Zealand and the Sonya Davies Peace Award” he said. “New Zealanders will be saddened by her passing.

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