Frances D'Souza, Baroness D'Souza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Baroness D'Souza
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D'Souza in 2024
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| Lord Speaker | |
| In office 1 September 2011 – 31 August 2016 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | The Baroness Hayman |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Fowler |
| Convenor of the Crossbench Peers | |
| In office 6 November 2007 – 31 August 2011 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord Williamson of Horton |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Laming |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 15 September 2004 Life peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Frances Gertrude Claire Russell
18 April 1944 Sussex, England |
| Political party | Crossbench |
| Other political affiliations |
None (as Lord Speaker; 2011–2016) |
| Spouses |
Stanislaus D'Souza
(m. 1959; div. 1974)
(m. 2003; died 2011)Martin Griffiths
(m. 1985; div. 1994) |
| Children | 2 (including Christa) |
| Alma mater | University College London Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford |
| Committees | Procedure Committee (2005–present) House (2007–present) Selection; Privileges; Liaison; Administration and Works (2007–2011) |
Frances Gertrude Claire D'Souza, Baroness D'Souza (born 18 April 1944) is a British scientist and politician. She is known for her work in human rights. She also served as the Lord Speaker in the House of Lords from 2011 to 2016.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frances Gertrude Claire Russell was born in Sussex, England, in 1944. She went to St Mary's School in Princethorpe. Later, she studied anthropology at University College London. Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. She earned her first degree in 1970.
She continued her studies at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she earned a PhD in 1976. A PhD is a very high academic degree.
Early Career and Human Rights Work
After her studies, Frances D'Souza worked in research. She worked at the Nuffield Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition. She also worked at Oxford Polytechnic, which is now Oxford Brookes University.
From 1985 to 1988, she was a research consultant for the United Nations. The United Nations is an international organization that works for peace and cooperation.
From 1989 to 2002, she was the director of Article 19. This is a human rights organization. It works to protect freedom of expression around the world. As part of her work, she supported efforts for peace in Kurdistan.
Personal Life
In 1959, Frances D'Souza married Stanislaus Joseph D'Souza. They had two daughters together. One of their daughters is the journalist Christa D'Souza.
Achievements and Recognition
In 1999, Frances D'Souza was given a special honour. She was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). This award recognized her important work in human rights.
Role in the House of Lords
In 2004, Frances D'Souza became a member of the House of Lords. This is the upper house of the UK Parliament. She was given the title of Baroness D'Souza. She became a life peer, which means she holds her title for life.
She sat as a crossbencher. This means she did not belong to any political party. From 2007 to 2011, she was the Convenor of the Crossbench Peers. This role meant she led the group of crossbench members.
Becoming Lord Speaker
On 13 July 2011, Baroness D'Souza was elected Lord Speaker. This is a very important role in the House of Lords. The Lord Speaker is like the chairperson of the House. They make sure debates run smoothly. She started this new role in September 2011.
Her time as Lord Speaker ended on 31 August 2016. After this, she returned to being a crossbencher. She spoke about the need to manage the size of the House of Lords. She also suggested limiting the Prime Minister's power to appoint new members.
See also
In Spanish: Frances D'Souza para niños
