Lesley Abdela
Lesley Abdela | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1945 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Feminist, women's rights activist, consultant, author |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Known for | Advocacy for women's political participation and gender equality |
| Notable work | Breaking through the glass ceilings; Do it! : walk the talk; What women want; A strange old mother; Women with X appeal |
Lesley Julia Abdela MBE (born 1945).
Biography
Born in London in 1945, Abdela received her education at Queen Anne's School, Chatelard School, Hammersmith College of Art and Building, as well as the London College of Printing.
She was honored with the UK Woman of Europe award in recognition of her efforts to empower women across Central and Eastern Europe. In 1996, she became the inaugural Political Editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. Abdela was recognized in 2006 as one of the New Statesman's "Top 50 Heroes of Our Time" and was celebrated as the European Alumni of the Month by the United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in July 2007. Her contributions to advancing women's roles in politics and local government earned her the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire during the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours.
In 2007, Abdela discovered the neglected grave of Barbara Bodichon located in Brightling, East Sussex. This led to a fundraising initiative that successfully restored the tomb’s railings and cleaned the site.
Her notable leadership positions include:
- Member of the Governing Board, British Council (1995–2000)
- Governor at Nottingham Trent University (1997–2000)
- Board Member for the International Institute for Environment and Development (1992–1997)
- Co-founder and Leader of 'The 300 GROUP' advocating Women In Politics (1980–1985)
- Parliamentary Candidate representing the Liberal Party in the 1979 General Election
- Policy Researcher within both Houses of Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords) from 1977 to 1979
Currently, Abdela serves as senior partner at Shevolution, a consultancy specializing in gender equality based in Burwash, East Sussex.
Works
- Abdela, Lesley and Tim Symonds (editors), Breaking through the glass ceilings., Metropolitan Authorities Recruitment Agency, (1991), Solihull.
- Abdela, Lesley, Do it! : walk the talk : a practical guide for employers on how to change the gender culture in the workplace., Metropolitan Authorities Recruitment Agency, (1995), Solihull.
- Abdela, Lesley, What women want : a guide to creating a better and fairer life for women in the UK,, The Body Shop, (1994).
- Abdela, Lesley, A strange old mother : no press pass for women’s magazines. Violations of rights in Britain; 15,, Charter88 Enterprises, (1994), London.
- Abdela, Lesley, Women with X appeal : women politicians in Britain today., Macdonald Optima. (1989), London.