Davies, Sonja (1923–2005)
Davies, Sonja (1923–2005)
New Zealand politician. Born Sonja Vile, Nov 11, 1923, in Wallaceville, NZ, to a 26-year-old unwed mother; died June 12, 2005; married and divorced; m. Charlie Davies (trade unionist, died 1971); children: (with Red Brinson, US marine who died in action during WWII) Penny; (with Charlie Davies) Mark (died 1978).
Socialist, feminist, and activist, served as Labour MP for Pencarrow (1987–93); was an executive member of the World Peace Council, marched against the Vietnam war, and argued for a nuclear-free New Zealand; was also the 1st woman vice-president of New Zealand Federation of Labour, and campaigned for the rights of women and the underprivileged.
See also memoirs Bread and Roses (which was adapted for film and dir. by Gaylene Preston) and Marching On.