Williamson tops BBC Woman’s Hour Power List

Two of our own have been named in the 2023 BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour Power List, with Leah Williamson topping the list and Lotte Wubben-Moy coming in seventh. 

This year, Woman's Hour chose to honour the UK’s 30 most outstanding women in sport across five categories: sportswomen, leaders, change-makers, amplifiers, and grassroots. Woman's Hour named Williamson at the top of the list live on the programme in front of an audience in the BBC Radio Theatre, hosted by Nuala McGovern.

“It’s lovely – I’m just trying to do my job," Williamson said. "My mum will be happy! It’s really nice, I’m slightly taken aback by that but very appreciative.

"As women we’ve been living in the shadows, maybe, but we know that we have the ability to step up. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it – which is why when we do recognise women like this, it’s great because those aspiring to be in these positions can believe that there is a place for them in the sporting world.”

Williamson captained England's Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022 and off the pitch, has consistently championed equal opportunities for girls in sport. Earlier this month, the UK government announced it would provide all schoolgirls equal access to football following the Lionesses' open letter, which voiced the squad's collective belief that boys and girls should enjoy the same level of access to sport in school. 

Fellow Gunner and England centre-back Wubben-Moy was also recognised for her work in helping to lead this campaign and striving to secure a legacy for women's football. 

“A conversation led by Lotte Wubben-Moy and Leah Williamson on the bus from the Trafalgar Square celebrations has delivered real change in society and the announcement is a testament to their tenacity and excellent engagement with the Government. The FA are as proud of them as we have ever been," said Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football for The FA and second on this year's Power List. 

Former Gunner Alex Scott was also featured in the list, at number 26. The list was judged by a panel comprised of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Sam Quek, and Ebony Rainford-Brent, and chaired by Jessica Creighton.

Here is the top 10 in full:

1. Leah Williamson, England captain and Arsenal footballer who champions equal opportunities for girls in sport

2. Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football for The Football Association

3. Alice Dearing, who is one of the four co-founders of the Black Swimming Association

4. Ellie Downie, medal-winning gymnast for Great Britain who has spoken out about abusive behaviour in British Gymnastics

5. Heather Dunnell, Founder of Scottish Women’s Walking Group

6. Helen Hardy, who created the only official retail platform in the world dedicated to women’s football merchandise

7. Lotte Wubben-Moy, Arsenal and England footballer who campaigned for equal access to football for girls in the UK

8. Beth Barrett-Wild, Director of Women’s Professional Game at the England and Wales Cricket Board

9. Sophie Christiansen CBE, eight times Paralympic equestrian gold medallist

10. Dina Asher-Smith, British record holder for 100m sprint