Petra Petersen

Petra Maria Petersen née Andersen (1901–1989) was a Danish politician who, under the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, was a Danish resistance fighter. She was one of the most active organisers in the communist resistance movement around Odense until the end of the war.

Early life Born on 2 March 1901 in Nørre Højrup near Skamby on the island of Funen, Petra Maria Andersen was the daughter of Niels Andersen (1845–1920), a schoolteacher, and Rasmine Andersen (1859–1937). She grew up as one of 10 children in a radical home to the northwest of Odense. After leaving school, she worked for seven years as an office assistant. After the Freedom Council was established in September 1943, she became a member of the local committee in Odense. From March 1944, when the Gestapo developed an interest in her and her family, she went underground but continued to work for the resistance until the end of the war, becoming one of the most important resistance players in the area despite the fact that she was a woman.

Post-war activities

Her political activities continued after the war in her position as chairman of the Odense communist division. In 1945, she was one of the 18 communists and one of the first three women in the party who were elected to the Folketing. There she served on the party's central committee until 1960. Her duties included a visit to China and several to the Soviet Union. In Denmark, she focused on improvements to legislation on pregnancy and children. She maintained her faith in communism for the rest of her life.

Petra Petersen died in Himmelev on 25 February 1989.