Births on February 3

Elizabeth Peer, American journalist (d. 1984)

Elizabeth Peer Jansson (born Elizabeth Clow Peer on February 3, 1936), widely known as Liz Peer, was an trailblazing American journalist whose career at Newsweek spanned from 1958 until her untimely death on May 26, 1984. Her journey through the ranks of one of America's most influential news magazines highlights a period of significant societal change and her remarkable personal achievements in a male-dominated profession.

A Groundbreaking Career at Newsweek

Peer began her tenure at Newsweek in 1958 as a copy girl, a role that was typical for aspiring young women in journalism during an era when professional opportunities for women were notably restricted. Copy girls were primarily responsible for handling manuscripts, fact-checking, and various administrative tasks, often seen as a gateway to the newsroom but rarely leading to editorial positions for women. However, Peer's exceptional talent and dedication were recognized by Osborn Elliott, Newsweek's visionary editor, who took a progressive stance on female journalists. In 1962, Elliott promoted Peer to a writer, a pivotal advancement that defied the prevailing norms.

Breaking International Barriers: First Female Foreign Correspondent

Just two years after her promotion, in 1964, Liz Peer made history when she was dispatched to Paris, becoming Newsweek's first female foreign correspondent. This appointment was a testament to her capabilities and a significant milestone for women in international journalism. From her base in the vibrant European capital, Peer covered a wide array of stories, providing crucial insights into global affairs and culture for an American audience. Her reports from Paris established her reputation as a skilled and perceptive international reporter.

Challenges and Contributions in Washington, D.C.

In 1969, Peer returned to the United States to contribute to Newsweek's prestigious Washington, D.C., bureau. This move placed her at the heart of American political reporting during a tumultuous period. It was during this time, in 1970, that forty-six of Newsweek's female employees filed a landmark complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This complaint, a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality in media, alleged widespread discrimination against women in editorial roles, limiting them primarily to research and support positions while men held the higher-paying and more prestigious writing and editing jobs. Notably, Elizabeth Peer remained on the sidelines of this collective legal action, a decision whose reasons are not explicitly documented. Despite her established prominence, she was passed over for a promotion to senior editor in 1973, for reasons that remain unclear, highlighting the persistent systemic barriers faced by even highly accomplished women in the industry.

Return to Paris and Pioneering War Coverage

Demonstrating her resilience and Newsweek's continued recognition of her leadership abilities, Peer returned to Paris in 1975, this time as the bureau chief. This appointment marked another significant achievement, placing her in a top editorial leadership role overseeing all reporting from the region. Her tenacity and commitment to frontline journalism were further showcased in 1977 when she became Newsweek's first female war correspondent. She bravely covered the Ogaden War, a complex and brutal conflict fought between Ethiopia and Somalia over the disputed Ogaden region in the Horn of Africa, which also became a proxy battleground during the Cold War. Peer's reporting from this dangerous zone was widely acclaimed for its depth and insight, earning her considerable recognition for her courageous and impactful work.

Tragic End

Despite the acclaim for her courageous war reporting, Elizabeth Peer suffered a debilitating injury while covering the Ogaden War, from which she never fully recovered. The long-term physical and psychological toll of this injury profoundly affected her life. Tragically, these overwhelming challenges ultimately contributed to her death by suicide on May 26, 1984. Elizabeth Peer Jansson's legacy as a pioneering journalist endures, marked by her significant "firsts" and her unwavering dedication to journalism, even in the face of immense personal and professional adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Peer Jansson

Who was Elizabeth Peer Jansson?

Elizabeth Peer Jansson, often known as Liz Peer, was a pioneering American journalist who worked for Newsweek from 1958 until her death in 1984. She achieved several "firsts" for women in journalism, including being Newsweek's first female foreign correspondent and first female war correspondent.

What were Elizabeth Peer Jansson's key achievements at Newsweek?

Her key achievements include being promoted from a copy girl to a writer in 1962, becoming Newsweek's first female foreign correspondent in Paris in 1964, serving as Paris bureau chief in 1975, and most notably, becoming Newsweek's first female war correspondent in 1977 by covering the Ogaden War.

What was the significance of the 1970 Newsweek EEOC complaint?

The 1970 Newsweek EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) complaint, filed by 46 female employees, was a landmark legal action that alleged gender discrimination within the magazine. It played a crucial role in advancing gender equality in the media industry and led to significant changes in employment practices for women in journalism.

What was the Ogaden War that Elizabeth Peer Jansson covered?

The Ogaden War (1977-1978) was an armed conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia over the disputed Ogaden region in the Horn of Africa. It was a brutal conventional war that also served as a proxy conflict during the Cold War, involving support from the Soviet Union and Cuba for Ethiopia, and the United States for Somalia.

What led to Elizabeth Peer Jansson's death?

Elizabeth Peer Jansson suffered a debilitating injury while covering the Ogaden War, which had profound and lasting physical and psychological effects. These unresolved issues ultimately contributed to her tragic death by suicide in 1984.