Oknah Kim Lah (Korean: 김옥라, Hanja: 金玉羅, 1918–2021)

Oknah Kim Lah was a prominent South Korean social activist, feminist, and volunteer leader who dedicated her life to promoting peace, gender equality, and social welfare. She was an advocate for women's rights and worked extensively to improve the welfare of marginalized communities, particularly women and children.

Early Life and Education

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Oknah Kim Lah was born in 1918 in South Korea. From a young age, she was deeply influenced by the social and political changes occurring in Korea during the early 20th century. She pursued education at the Ewha Womans University, one of the foremost institutions for women's education in Korea. Kim Lah later studied abroad, enhancing her understanding of global social issues, and applying this knowledge to her work in Korea and internationally.

Career and Activism

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Kim Lah's contributions to social welfare and women’s rights were groundbreaking in South Korea. Throughout her career, she was involved in various organizations aimed at improving the conditions of women and children. She played a leading role in the Korean National Council of Women (KNCW), where she advocated for gender equality, education, and social justice. Her efforts were particularly focused on improving conditions for underprivileged women and families.

She was also instrumental in founding the Korean chapter of the World Federation of Methodist Women (WFMUCW), where she worked closely with global organizations to further women's leadership and community welfare initiatives. In recognition of her extensive work in these areas, Kim Lah received numerous accolades and honors.

International Impact

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Kim Lah's influence extended far beyond South Korea. She became a significant figure in global volunteerism, especially through her role with the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE). She served as a board member of IAVE, where she promoted volunteerism as a tool for fostering peace and global cooperation. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing attention to the critical role of volunteer efforts in resolving community issues and addressing societal challenges across the world.

Her legacy in IAVE reflects her commitment to strengthening international volunteer networks and empowering women through service. According to IAVE, Kim Lah worked tirelessly to bridge cultures and inspire people worldwide to embrace volunteerism as a force for positive change.

Legacy

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Oknah Kim Lah passed away in 2021 at the age of 103. Her legacy as a social activist, feminist leader, and advocate for peace continues to inspire new generations of women leaders in South Korea and around the world. In her memory, various organizations have commemorated her lifelong commitment to equality and volunteerism, including IAVE, which paid tribute to her as an extraordinary leader who advanced the global volunteer movement.

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