Muriel Duckworth. Photo by Janet Munson in honour of Muriel Duckworth's 100th birthday. Source: wikimedia.org

Canadian activist Muriel Duckworth, a passionate pacifist, who participated in campaigns against the US army’s war in Vietnam , died at 100 on Aug. 22.

To support Vietnam during its US resistance war, Muriel was one of the founders of the Voice of Women For Peace (VOW) which was set up in Toronto 50 years ago.

VOW launched campaigns to present clothes to Vietnamese children, attracting the participation of 1,500 Canadian and US women.

During 1960-1975, more than 30,000 sets of clothes were sent to Vietnam.

VOW also organised marches, demonstrations and seminars to protest the war in Vietnam and Canadian government’s support to the US war.

Muriel also managed visits to Canada for Vietnamese women who were directly affected by the war.

Born in Quebec in 1908, Muriel Duckworth was presented with Order of Canada, the highest distinction of the Canadian state for her contributions to anti-war activities for peace and justice.

Oxfam Canada has recently set up Jack and Muriel Duckworth Fund in recognition of Muriel and her late husband’s contributions to the fight for social justice.

Source: VNA