Lesley Abdela facts for kids
Lesley Julia Abdela MBE is a British expert who works to make sure women have equal rights and can take part in politics. She also helps with peace and security issues that involve women. She has given advice in 50 different countries to governments and big international groups like the United Nations, as well as to non-profit organizations and the European Commission. She is also a speaker on TV and radio and actively campaigns for women's rights.
About Lesley Abdela
Lesley Abdela was born in London in 1945. She went to several schools and colleges, including Queen Anne's School and the London College of Communication.
She has won many awards for her important work. She received the UK Woman of Europe award for helping women in Central and Eastern Europe. In 1996, she became the first Political Editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. In 2006, she was named one of the "Top 50 Heroes of Our Time" by the New Statesman magazine. In 2007, the United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs chose her as their European Alumni of the Month. She was also made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1990 for her "services to the advancement of Women in Politics and Local Government." This award is a special honor given by the Queen.
In 2007, Lesley Abdela found the grave of Barbara Bodichon in a small churchyard in Brightling, East Sussex. Barbara Bodichon was an important person who fought for women's rights a long time ago. The grave was in bad shape, with rusty railings and writing that was hard to read. Lesley Abdela helped start a fund to fix it. About £1,000 was raised, which was used to clean and repaint the railings and the granite tomb.
Lesley Abdela has held many important roles:
- She was a member of the main board for the British Council from 1995 to 2000.
- She was a Governor of Nottingham Trent University from 1997 to 2000.
- She was a board member for the International Institute for Environment and Development from 1992 to 1997.
- She helped start and lead 'The 300 GROUP' for Women In Politics from 1980 to 1985. This group worked to get more women involved in politics.
- She was a candidate for the Liberal Party in the General Election of 1979.
- She worked as a researcher for the House of Commons and House of Lords (parts of the UK Parliament) from 1977 to 1979.
Today, Lesley Abdela is a senior partner at Shevolution. This is a company that helps organizations achieve gender equality, meaning they work to make things fair for both men and women. She lives in Burwash, East Sussex.
Books by Lesley Abdela
Lesley Abdela has written several books, often focusing on women's roles and rights:
- Abdela, Lesley and Tim Symonds (ed.), Breaking through the glass ceilings., Metropolitan Authorities Recruitment Agency, (1991), Solihull. ISBN: 1-874025-99-1.
- 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, ISBN: 1-874025-30-4.
- 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. ISBN: 1-873311-99-0.
- Abdela, Lesley, Women with X appeal : women politicians in Britain today., Macdonald Optima. (1989), London. ISBN: 0-356-17184-1.
See also
In Spanish: Lesley Abdela para niños
