Kick-starting the Power of Women

Businesses and individuals are being asked to show their support for a brand new female-focused initiative, launching on International Women’s Day 2020.

Spearheaded by Simone Roche MBE, CEO and founder of Northern Power Women, and Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) at Teesside University, the Power of Women campaign aims to lift the aspirations of among young females in the north.

Both women are passionate about gender equality and believe all females should have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers and reach their potential.

The aim of the campaign is to raise enough funds to create a luxurious, limited-edition book, profiling over 100 inspiring women working in various sectors in cities across the Northern Powerhouse region, including Newcastle, Leeds, Hull, Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool.

The book will be delivered to more than 4,000 corporate businesses and over 1,000 schools in the North, reaching over 300,000 young females - particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Schools will be encouraged to nominate their own female representatives, who will become ambassadors for the campaign.

These women will be provided with engaging marketing materials and tools to help spread the word, ensuring the campaign’s message reaches as many people as possible.

In addition to the book, a live and interactive website will also be created. It will showcase content from the book and enable women to upload their own success stories, enabling the campaign to live on and its reach to run into the millions.

Simone Roche MBE said: 'This book will share and inspire generations as we story tell about the phenomenal role models across our northern landscapes. Honest, authentic and real tales will be realised and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this trailblazing campaign.'

Professor Jane Turner OBE DL said: 'The chances of how a child does in life are largely influenced by where they come from. Too many children and particularly young girls in the North are suffering disadvantage as a result of where they grow up. Enough is enough.

'This campaign is an intrepid attempt to change the narrative, change views, change thoughts, shift aspirations, change lives.'

To kick-start the campaign and help make the Power of Women website and book a reality, supporters are urged to visit the dedicated Crowdfunder page, where they can donate vital funds and receive a range of rewards in return.

As part of Teesside University’s International Women’s Day activity, over 100 schoolgirls from across the Tees Valley will visit the campus on 5 and 6 March for a series of talks, workshops, and performances to help build self-awareness and confidence. The girls will also be able to hear from female business leaders and entrepreneurs with the aim of providing a shared experience that will leave them feeling positive and enthused about their individual and collective potential.

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