Miriam Dell graduated in botany from Auckland University and trained as a secondary school teacher before marrying a fellow scientist and raising four children. Her involvement with women’s groups began with the Young Wives’ group of the Anglican Mothers’ Union, and her church work extended to its national public and social affairs committees. A member of the National Council of Women, her enthusiasm and flair for bringing people together soon resulted in her election to national office. From 1979 to 1986 Miriam Dell was President of the International Council of Women - the first New Zealander to achieve that distinction - and travelled extensively, gaining a global perspective on women’s issues, and remaining in charge of its development programme until 1991. She also chaired the Committee on Women, the forerunner of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, co-ordinated the United Nations International Women’s Year, and was a delegate for New Zealand to all three United Nations International Women’s conferences during the Decade for Women. Through these activities she was able to carry her commitment to equity for women to every United Nations agency. Her many contributions to women’s advancement in New Zealand included promoting equal pay, education, the environment and conservation. She also served on commissions for UNESCO and the International Year of the Child, and the Suffrage Centennial Year Trust. Her focus was always on giving women, nationally and internationally, the capacity and confidence to make their own choices and use their talents to the full.

Miriam Dell’s warm and approachable personality, intelligence, and energy enabled her to encourage other women to participate constructively in decision-making and social action.