Bertha von Suttner was a 19th century author, peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Austria. Her most famous work, the anti-war novel titled ‘Die Waffen Nieder’, became an international bestseller. Upon the success of her novel, Von Suttner quickly rose to prominence within the international peace movement that was gaining ground in Europe and in the United States of America. She also played a significant role in helping the Peace Palace come in to existence.

Women’s rights are the rights claimed for women and girls worldwide, and formed the basis for the women’s rights and feminist movement. In some countries, these rights are institutionalized by law and local custom, whereas in other countries these rights are ignored and suppressed. Issues associated with women’s rights include the right: to bodily integrity and autonomy, to be free from sexual violence, to vote, to hold public office, to enter into legal contracts, to have equal rights in family law, to fair wages or equal pay, to have reproductive rights, and to education. Gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured.