Begtrup, Bodil (1903–1987)

Danish diplomat. Born Bodil Gertrud Andreasen in Nyborg, Denmark, Nov 12, 1903; died Dec 12, 1987, in Denmark; dau. of Judge Christian A. Andreasen (1867–1941) and Carla Sigrid (Locher) Andreasen (1876–1938); University of Copenhagen, MA in economics, 1929; m. Erik Begtrup, Feb 21, 1929 (div. 1936); m. L.B. Bolt-Jorgensen, 1948 (died); children: (1st m.) Marianne Begtrup (b. 1931).

Delegate to United Nations and crusader for women's rights, who was Denmark's 1st female ambassador; was a member of the Executive Committee of the National Council of Women (1929), vice-chair (1931), chair (1946–49); was a member of the joint Council of the Maternity Welfare Service (1939–59); was a member of the Danish delegation to 19th Assembly of League of Nations (1938); was a member of the Danish delegation to General Assembly of UN (1946–52); served as chair of UN Commission on the Improvement of the Social Status of Women (1947, 1948–49); served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, Reykjavik (1949); served as ambassador (1955); was head of department, Ministry for Foreign Affairs (1956); was a member of the Council of the "Norden" Association (1956); served as Permanent Representative of Denmark to the Council of Europe, Strasbourg (1956); served as ambassador to Berne (1959–68); served as ambassador to Lisbon (1968–Dec 1973); was head of Danish delegation to World Population Conference, Bucharest (1974); shunned the honors frequently bestowed upon her throughout her long, distinguished career. Granted Order of the Falcon of Ireland, 1st Class.

See also Women in World History.