When celebrating the most powerful women of the last 70 years, it may seem natural to host a celebration at Buckingham Palace: home to a Queen who has reigned for generations. But if anyone had hoped Her Majesty might be recognised for her contribution to women's lives over her long service, they would be disappointed. The BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour Power List, announced on Wednesday, instead recognises Beyonce, the singer, feminist provocateur Germaine Greer and a fictional character: the love-lorn Bridget Jones. The list of seven powerful women, selected by a judging panel, was topped by Baroness Thatcher, the late former prime minister who was recognised by the BBC for her impact on British women whether they love her or loathe her. The Queen did not make the list, with Theresa May, the current Prime Minister, also omitted along with all modern-day politicians. Instead, Woman's House chose to honour the star of Helen Fieldings 1996 novel, Bridget Joness Diary, famous for her witty take on the life of a single woman in a world of smug marrieds. A spokesman for Radio 4 said debate over the selection was to be expected. Lady Thatcher and Miss Jones are joined on the final list by Helen Brook, who founded centres offering contraception to unmarried women, Barbara Castle, the Labour MP who fought for equal pay, and Jayaben Desai, a strike leader in the 1974 Grunwick dispute. Germaine Greer, the feminist and academic who has caused fury among campaigners for recent comments about transgender people, came in fourth place, with judge Abi Morgan hailing her a warrior. Beyonce, the American singer, makes it onto the list at number seven in recognition of her status as a global beauty icon. It is the first time the list has encompassed a fictional character as well as women no longer with us. Previous winners include Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, campaigner Baroness Lawrence, and the Queen, who won in 2013. Judge Julia Hobsbawm said of the inclusion of Bridget Jones: Twenty five years ago she ushered in the voice of a woman narrating her own banality as well as her own complexity. |
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