NCWGB Ambassadors
To celebrate our 130th year we have asked a limited number of high-profile women leaders to become named as our Ambassadors.
We are honoured and delighted that the following have accepted our invitation to become Ambassadors.
Eleanor Lyons
Eleanor Lyons is the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC), its functions and powers were established in the landmark Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA). This charges the Commissioner with encouraging good practice sharing amongst all those with a role to play in tackling every aspect of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. The role is independent of government, allowing the Commissioner to scrutinise and report on the effectiveness of policies and actions taken to prevent exploitation, support and protect victims, and bring perpetrators to justice. The Commissioner works across the UK with public authorities, the sector, businesses, and law enforcement to pursue these goals.
Eleanor Lyons began her three-year term as IASC in December 2023 with a mission to ensure tackling modern slavery remains at the top of the political agenda and a national priority. At the heart of this, Eleanor is passionate about listening to and incorporating the voices of those with lived experience of modern slavery into her work and policymakers’ thinking in order to develop the most effective measures at tackling it.
Prior to becoming the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor was Deputy Children’s Commissioner, advocating and championing for the rights of all children in England but particularly those that were vulnerable, in care or in contact with social services.
Professor Salma Abbasi
Professor Salma Abbasi, PhD, FRGS, FCMI, FRSA is an internationally recognised technology leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical innovation, with more than 40 years of experience spanning Silicon Valley, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
As Founder and Chairperson of eWorldwide Group, she has dedicated her career to harnessing technology as a force for inclusive economic growth, digital resilience, and sustainable development. Her work has focused on advancing responsible AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, women’s leadership, youth empowerment, and resilient communities through cross-sector collaboration between governments, industry, academia, and civil society.
Professor Abbasi serves as a Strategic Advisor on Digital Resilience to the IEEE and is an Expert Fellow of the UK SPRITE network. She has contributed to international policy dialogues through the United Nations and other global forums, championing ethical AI, digital inclusion, and technologies that create opportunity while safeguarding humanity.
Her leadership is grounded in humanity, compassion, trust, and integrity. She believes that true leadership is about walking the talk—transforming vision into measurable impact, building partnerships that deliver meaningful change, and ensuring that innovation is inclusive and accessible at every level of society. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Professor Abbasi champions values-driven leadership that empowers others, embraces diversity of thought, and creates opportunities for future generations to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
1895 to 2025 – 130 years serving women and girls
Administrative office: 81 Bondgate, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL3 7JT
Tel: 01325 367375
Email: [email protected]
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NCW has special consultative status at the United Nations. Registered Charity No. 1001015. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 502692.