Esther W. Hyman’s dedication to the improvement of the status of women is an inspiration for the empowerment of all women. Born in 1898 in Chicago, Illinois, Esther was a lifelong champion of international understanding, engaged in activities aimed at making the world a better place women, men and families to enjoy. Starting her work with the suffragist and peace movements, she went on to play a vital role in the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) and the development of the partnership with the United Nations.
In her study guide “Women and the United Nations” Esther Hymer who had been a lobbyist in the USA for the setting up of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), defined the CSW as being the forum to consider: questions of political equality, including the right to vote and hold political office; civil rights, problems of marriage the right of a woman to keep her own nationality, to equal education opportunities, and many more.
On the celebration of Esther’s 100th birthday, both private and public, were many and varied and included diplomatic representatives, UN officials and NGOs all of whom toasted Esther’s century of achievement.
On her 100th birthday, UN Secretary General Kofi A. Annan wrote Esther a thank you note for her dedication and hard work.
Thanks to Sylvia Perry who captured the life of Esther Hymer in the book A Bus to 42 Street.
