BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour Power List - which women should be nominated for their impact on family life?

[JaneGMumsnet]

Hello everyone,

Justine has been asked by BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour to talk about their Power List, which will be a list to celebrate the achievements of the 100 most powerful women in the UK, nominated by listeners. The interview will be aired on Tuesday 20 November.

The list will be announced by Woman's Hour in early 2013 - further information about the list, the judging panel and how to nominate here: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/features/womans-hour/power-list/

They'd like to know who we think are the pick of influential women who shape family life - childcare experts, popular educationalists, lifestyle figures, opinion formers, bloggers, pressure groups, doctors, midwives etc. They're looking for women who have the biggest impact on our economy, society, politics and culture, and the ability to inspire change as a role model or a thinker.

Who do you think should be nominated?

Thanks very much for your help,

MNHQ

[TheBlackShiksa]

I second Doreen Lawrence, such an inspirational woman. She's changed this country through her tireless campaigning for the better. Amazing woman

[TheMysteryCat]

I don't always agree with her, but Yvette cooper is a very strong voice on the impact of austerity on women's lives and the knock on impact to family life and employment. She is a welcome and somewhat lone parliamentary voice on this.

[peasabovesticks]

Baroness Susan Greenfield.

[LadyMaryChristmas]

MNHQ do a splendid job.

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

Malala Yousufzai. For obvious reasons that she's brave, determined. But also that it has raised awareness of girls not getting an education.

Me and the DCs discuss education, why some people are against this and all sorts of tangents therein, geography, politics (very basic)...

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

I will have to have a think.

I've been really enjoying Woman's Hour this week.

[coribells]

I second Justine and Carrie for creating Mumsnet, and therefor impacting on family life

[lionheart]

Helena Kennedy QC

[FOURBOYSUNDER6]

Fiorella Nash
Feminist pro life campaigner
She is a truly courageous and inspirational woman

[Declutterbug]

Naomi Stadlen for her amazing empowering book

[RTchoke]

I read this thread and thought I'd like to suggest someone from politics, someone who has campaigned around issues to help families: child care, community services, early intervention, education - something like that. Sadly I'm struggling to think of one woman in Parliament who I know has led challenges on these issues. I am sad that there isn't a stand out politician.

[thezoobmeister]

Sheila Kitzinger for putting choice in childbirth on the agenda, and speaking up to ensure that pregnant and labouring women are treated with the respect they deserve.

Also second Doreen Lawrence. And Justine and Carrie! If wasn't for them we would never have had a MN election ...

[peasabovesticks]

Oh, and also Camila Batmanghelidge.

[BelleDameSousMistletoe]

Also vote for camila batmanghelidjh.

If we were allowed historical would go for Marie Stopes...

[ninjasquirrel]

I'm not sure whether they're interested in women who have made a difference in society generally or whether it has to just be about impact on 'family life' - which seems a bit of a restriction on what women are recognised for. But my current heroine is Karyn McCluskey who headed up an initiative that cut violent gang crime in Glasgow dramatically - certainly that saved a lot of families a lot of misery.

[Kahlua4me]

Doreen Lawrence would be the main one that stands out for me.

[Limelight]

Margaret Mizen. I live near to where her son was murdered and I can't tell you how strong a presence her family have here. And for good, honourable, positive reasons. I'm not religious, but to be able to forgive, and to try and bring about change in the way that she has is remarkable. i

[SkaterGrrrrl]

Caitlin Moran for giving feminism a shot in the arm.

[mcmooncup]

Another vote for Camila from Kids Company.
She is a voice of reason amongst so much bullshit. Her values, passion and integrity always shine through. And she changes lives. Amazing woman.

[zipzap]

another vote for Justine and Carrie. Without them my house would be much cleaner and tidier, my washing would be done sooner, I would get to bed earlier and supper would be cooked in time On the other hand, dc would have a mum who had gone batty from lack of adult contact (dh is great but it's good to have more than one person to talk to!) and who has been calmed by reassurance and advice from others on MN when needed (often at odd hours of the day and night). Overall, I think family life is definitely better as a result of MN!

[thekitchenfairy]

Doreen Lawrence, without a doubt. There are too many 'my way' mummies and family experts with salaries, lifestyles and support that is so far removed from daily life that I wonder what reason they have to consider themselves either expert or influential in the first place.

I have to second Carrie and Justine, too. MN has given us all a voice and support in our choices, whatever they are and for whatever reason we make them. The path of motherhood can be confusing, isolating and lonely: MN keeps us feeling like we belong and we matter when so much about motherhood is confusing and nerve-shaking; and that is vital to family life, esp in the first year of adjustment. It really is the most amazing and powerful community and you don't have to look long at the talk pages to see the support it offers in desperate times and the genuine empathy from people who have never met always staggers me. I recommend its brilliant support to every new mum-to-be and I am sure I am not the only MNer to do so!!

[ExitPursuedByABrrrrrrr]

Another vote for Sheila Kitzinger

And for Justine and Carrie. - everything that zipzap said, and double underlined!

[ThePathanKhansWitch]

Carmel Maconnell, founder of The Magic Breakfast Club. Feeding hungry kids.Amazing woman, re-mortgaged her own house to start this.

Yy to Camilia B.