Lack of substance
British women have had their fill of empty-headed celebrities who are famous for just being famous according to new research. In a poll of 1,000 UK women aged 18-65 years old, nine out of ten said that there are too many women in the public eye who lack real substance.
The research set out to explore females’ views on what it takes to be a woman of substance in 2009 Britain. It is being released to coincide with the launch of a campaign and national awards to find real women of substance living and working in the UK today .
It reveals that WAGs, wannabees and women who kiss and tell are a massive turn-off for ordinary UK women. Daughters of the rich and famous who have not personally earned their success, models and politicians are also seen by females as women with no substance. In particular, the nation's women reject the new breed of celebrity socialites. Over two-thirds name Paris Hilton (70%) as the female personality most lacking in substance, followed by Kerry Katona (63%) and Peaches Geldof (54%). Other female celebrities given the thumbs down are Jordan, glamour models Jodie Marsh and Danielle Lloyd, reality TV personalities Chantelle Houghton and Chanelle Hayes, WAGs Victoria Beckham, Alex Curran and Carly Zucker, as well as troubled pop singer Amy Winehouse.
Lack of female role models
Women who took part in the research believe these stars without substance are poor role models for young women and girls. Eighty-six per cent of mothers are especially concerned according to the research. Teenage girls and young women even admit this themselves as 95% of 16-24 year olds say they are concerned about the lack of female role models in their life. This was the highest percentage out of all age groups.
Britain's real women of substance
The research reveals a demand for ordinary women to be recognised for their extraordinary contributions, admirable qualities and achievements (83% of all UK women say it is about time that real women of substance are celebrated).
As a result, HarperCollins and its world famous bestselling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE are launching A Woman of Substance Awards to find females who epitomise what it is to be a real woman of substance today, who deserve special recognition and the chance to shine in the spotlight.
Conducted in association with the Daily Express, Debenhams and P&O Cruises, and in support of the charity Target Ovarian Cancer, Barbara is encouraging females across Britain to nominate themselves and/or other women in their personal and professional lives at www.awosawards.co.uk.
The awards are inspired by Barbara Taylor Bradford, the creator of the original woman of substance, Emma Harte, in her worldwide bestselling novel, A Woman of Substance. They are being launched to coincide with the 30th anniversary since Barbara’s debut book was first published in 1979. It is now one of the top ten bestselling novels of all time with more than 31 million copies sold. It has been published in over 40 languages and in 90 countries.
Who do women most admire?
The research reveals that mothers are the most important role models in the lives of UK women today. Fifty-one per cent of women in the UK pick their mother as the woman they admire the most – way ahead of females in the public eye (15%). Friends came out second for 31% of women followed by grandmothers (18%) & sisters (16%). Work colleagues were admired by 9% and bosses and mother-in-laws by just 6% respectively.
What does it take to be a woman of substance today? According to the research, the attributes most admired in women of substance are determination, honesty, selflessness and integrity.
Qualities women admire
If she is someone who fights for what is right - 63%
If she has overcome personal barriers and hurdles to achieve success - 56%
If she has risen to fame because of raw talent - 53%
If she is someone who has worked hard to help others succeed - 36%
If she is someone who remains true to her roots - 33%
A Woman of Substance Awards - how to enter
The nomination form is available online via a specially created website www.awosawards.co.uk, and entry forms can be picked up in a number of libraries across the UK.
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