Grethe Værnø facts for kids
Grethe Kathrine Værnø, born Jacobsen, in 1938, is a Norwegian politician and writer. She is known for her important work supporting women's rights in Norway and around the world. Grethe Værnø was the leader of the Norwegian National Women's Council from 1979 to 1981. She also served as a member of the Storting, which is Norway's parliament, representing Oslo from 1981 to 1985.
Early Life and Education
Grethe Kathrine Jacobsen was born on 17 October 1938 in Oslo, Norway. Her father, Klaus Jacobsen, was a factory manager. Her mother was Gerda Reusch.
After finishing high school, Grethe trained to be a secretary at the Oslo Commerce School. She then studied French in Paris. Later, she attended Harvard University in the United States from 1966 to 1967. She completed her university degree in Norway in 1969.
Grethe Værnø was married to Oscar Johan Værnø. He was a foreign minister and an ambassador for Norway. An ambassador is a country's official representative in another country.
Work for Women's Rights and Politics
Grethe Værnø dedicated much of her career to helping women. From 1971 to 1973, she worked as a press editor for the Norwegian National Women's Council. This means she helped manage their communications and news.
Later, from 1977 to 1981, she became the council's expert on information about developing countries. These are countries that are still building their economies and societies.
Before her leadership role, Grethe Værnø also worked as a freelance correspondent. This means she reported news from different places. She reported from Vienna, Austria, from 1973 to 1975. Then, she reported from Washington, D.C., in the United States, from 1975 to 1977.
After leading the Norwegian National Women's Council in 1981, Grethe Værnø continued her public service. From 1982 to 1985, she became involved with the military community and the NATO committee. NATO is a group of countries that work together for defense and security.
