Women talk whistleblowing

We caught up with women from the world of whistleblowing who share news, views, advice, who inspires them, quotes that resonate, and the songs they love.

Jo Gideon, Chair and Director of WhistleblowersUK, tells us why we - and our MPs - should support the Office Of The Whistleblower Bill this spring.

The theme this International Women’s Day, ‘Accelerating Action’, calls on us all to take decisive steps to achieve gender equality, addressing the barriers that women face in both their personal and professional lives.

We are all aware of the gender pay gap and biases (both conscious and unconscious) against women, which prevents their advancement in certain professions.

This International Women’s Day let us acknowledge the bravery of all those who speak out about these issues.

We have a duty to support our citizens’ army of whistleblowers, who are the first line of defence against wrongdoing, corruption and cover-ups.

They are the ones who highlight issues of inequality, yet the battle of a whistleblower versus the organisation they are putting the spotlight on is akin to a David versus Goliath battle, but with David not even having a sling shot.

When I stood down as a Member of Parliament, I accepted the role of Chair of WhislleblowersUK. I feel privileged to engage with many brave people who are whistleblowers in a wide range of settings, and those who help them get justice.

From saving lives by speaking out in the NHS, to preventing violence against women and girls, and saving thousands of children from ongoing abuse, from tackling corruption which costs the country billions, to identifying threats to our national security, whistleblowers often face intimidation, victimisation, and isolation and are even threatened with imprisonment for speaking out.

If we are to achieve a fairer, kinder and safer society we must protect those who speak out and so, this International Women’s Day, I call on our government to establish an Office of the Whistleblower to investigate and punish those organisations and institutions who turn a blind eye to discrimination, wrongdoing and criminal activity, and shield the brave individuals who highlight the issues.

It is time to shift the balance of power.

An associate member shares how it feels to be part of the WhistleblowersUK community.

I feel so very fortunate to have joined the incredible community that is WBUK.

As an associate member, I've personally benefited from the diverse army of experts in their team, and the sage advice when I couldn't see the wood for the trees.

I get inspired hearing from whistleblowers from all walks of life, and different industries, and love how we collectively learn from each other's experiences.

I'm a senior female leader in the tech industry, so connecting with other women that find themselves in the very same predicament for doing the right thing has quite literally been life changing.

The encouragement, the empathy, but, most of all, an understanding of the nuances of being a whistleblower in our industry.

Add to that the formidable female leader of WBUK, CEO Georgina Halford-Hall, who is a force of nature, pushing for change in UK law, it makes me feel very lucky to be part of a community that is here to protect whistleblowers now and long into the future.

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We provide a safe environment where you can get support, share experiences, and, most importantly, realise that you're not alone.

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Sangy has been a supporter of WhistleblowersUK after coming across one of our posts on LinkedIn. As well as being one of our associated members, Sangy's a women's cricket coach, mum, and delivered me an impressive rendition of a Doja Cat song over the phone.

It's International Women's Day. Tell me about women who inspire you.

OK. Well, my mum's my biggest inspiration. She was the person who taught me that no role is attached to gender. As a young child, one of our neighbours asked my dad why a lady was painting a fence, and I remember thinking: ‘What’s wrong with her doing that?'

My mum also taught me to rise up and always fight for what you believe in.

Although she's now in a home, with Alzheimer's that spirit and courage is still within her. She has a kind of aura.

I'm also going to say the girls I coach. They ground me and keep me younger. I want to make sure that when I leave the sport, it's in a better place for them.

Then, I'd add all women who are doing incredible things out there to make the world a better place. While the world can seem like an awful, unfair, place at times, good things are happening too. We need to remember that, and keep building on it.

Why do you support the Office of the Whistleblower Bill?

Years ago, I used to work at Harrods and remember a colleague telling me that Mohammed Al Fayed ‘liked pretty girls’ and would fire those he considered ugly on the spot. Knowing what we know now, imagine if something like an Office of The Whistleblower existed then? It could have prevented that situation. And hundreds more we've since learned about.

I support the bill because if there's something in place like this, people will be better protected and have somewhere completely independent to go where they'd be supported and treated fairly.

Having statutory powers in place and taking action against perpetrators would do so much to prevent the harm that whistleblowing can cause.

I have first hand experience of being harassed, bullied, and victimised. And it is so traumatising and painful that I am thankful to be alive. The experience left me suicidal. And nobody should have their mental health destroyed, just for standing up for what's right.

I'm really passionate about girls' sport. Women's and girls' sports are growing in popularity, they're more visible than before, with more opportunities, and commercialism, but, like any other industry, there can be a dark side.

I want there to be place where anyone could report a concern and have it looked into seriously. Whether it's a predatory coach, bullying, a discriminatory environment or fraud, there should be somewhere safe for people to report their concerns and be supported for having the courage to speak out.

Finally, what advice would you give to whistleblowers?

Be prepared to be targeted and gaslighted. So the number one thing is to protect your mental health and yourself.
Believe in what has happened and have confidence in what you have reported. And have confidence in yourself.
Find a trusted ally who you can count on for support.
Reach out to support groups like WhistleblowersUK.
Again, please look after yourself - whatever self care looks like for you. Just taking time away from it all, when you can, to try to enjoy life is important. Listen to music, go for a walk, and do whatever you can to bring a bit of joy back into your life.

You can follow Sangy on Instagram @sangycricket

Six songs for Saturday

Our team's top picks for International Women's Day 2025.

Unstoppable - Sia

GIrl On Fire - Alicia Keys

Natural Woman - Aretha Franklin

Messy - Lola Young

Good As Hell - Lizzo

Bad Reputation - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts