BBC 100 Women 2018

Barbara Burton, the CEO of BehindBras, has been named on the BBC 100 Women list of inspiring and influential women for 2018.

The list includes leaders, trailblazers and everyday heroes from around the world and explores a variety of themes, including using anger to spark action and uncovering women from the shadows of history.

A supportive network

Barbara set up BehindBras, giving women prison-leavers skills to start careers in the fashion industry, after finding herself behind bars in her late 50s.

Having successfully established her business in and around London, her focus has now turned to other parts of the UK.

She has been working with Cardiff Business School to consider how she might launch her social enterprise in Wales and create a supportive network that will help sponsor and support incarcerated women who want to pursue a new start.

Tim Edwards, Professor in Public Services Management at Cardiff Business School, said: “I’m delighted that Barbara’s important work has been recognised by the BBC 100 Women initiative.

“Her story is one of hope, heroism and hard work...”

Working in collaboration with Enactus Cardiff and the Responsible Innovation Network, Barbara aims to implement an entrepreneurial programme for Cardiff University students to work with women at HMP at Eastwood Park.

A momentous year

BBC 100 Women names 100 influential and inspirational women around the world every year and shares their stories.

After a momentous year for women's rights around the globe, BBC 100 Women reflects the trailblazing women who are using passion, indignation and anger to spark real change in the world around them.

Find out more on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #100Women.

More about Barbara’s mission can be found on the Behind Bras website.