This award is not made lightly and is a huge honour for both the recipient and their trade union.
In 2005 the award was made to Lesley Mansell on the basis of her significant contribution to the trade union and wider labour movement. The award was mainly been made for the campaigning work carried out on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans issues. Which includes bringing about a culture change within the TUC.
This is the first time that the award has been made on this basis.
Lesley Mansell said:
“I was shaken to be told that I had won this coveted prize as I recognise the calibre of all those women who have gone before me. A number of other lesbian women could have received this award as a number of us have been involved in our respective trades unions campaigning for many years on equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people as well as working on the women’s agenda.
What has been achieved has been done on the basis of working together for a common aim. Which is what the trade union movement is all about.
The important thing for me is that it makes the work visible and helps to encourage all those LGBT people to “come out” rather than stay invisible at work and in society often in misery.”
The TUC Women’s Gold badge was presented by Jeannie Drake TUC President and Gordon Brown Chancellor of the Exchequer. At TUC Congress in Brighton on 13 th September 2005.
Some of the work Lesley has been involved in:
Proudest achievement in the trade union
Culture Change
Awareness raising and establishing committees, which become embedded within union structures is one aspect of Equality work. But changing hearts and minds is more wide reaching and takes much longer.
The most important achievement has been to bring about a culture change inside the union, in the TUC and in other unions as well. I have been instrumental in translating the attitude of the MSF conference in 1989 into support for positive policies and practices.
I have often been told by women that I am inspirational offering a fantastic and positive role model, due to my continued enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge of equal opportunity issues and support I give in relation to women and other disadvantaged groups
I have made major contributions to campaigns on women’s issues within MSF at regional and national level, for example, Bullying and Harassment at Work, Equal Pay and Women and Pensions. As well as playing a major role in the campaign for full civil rights for LGBT people.
1989 Founding a network of Lesbians and Gays in MSF which became the National Committee.
1989 Researching and compiling the first MSF leaflet on lesbian and gay rights at work to raise awareness among other members
1990 Founded and co-organised National Lesbian and Gay conference.
1991- 1996 approx. Set up and ran national information helpline for five years giving advice on employment issues to lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
1998 - 2002 Founder member of the TUC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Committee.
Leicester Women’s Centre
In the 1970’s I was instrumental in a founding the Leicester Women’s Centre, which came about through my organisation. Using skills I learned in the trade union and with their support, I set up a program of lobbying and campaigning. This resulted in funding from the government’s Urban Aid programme which established a building and five workers.
Freedom Youth Group, Bristol. Chair. 1998 – 2003
Leicester Single Parents Association. Chair 1973 - 1978 |
