FEATURE
WORDS : DAVE ROBSON
POWER OF
GOOD
How the Power of Women campaign is helping girls take control of their lives
It ’ s the trailblazing campaign that aims to change the lives and aspirations of young women – and it ’ s based in the Tees Valley . The Power of Women ( POW ) campaign is about inspiring the region ’ s females to positively reassess their career hopes and dreams .
In short , the message is “ anything ’ s possible ” – and an already impressive list of successful female role models backing the campaign proves the point .
By sharing their personal stories , these inspiring women have shown that girls don ’ t have to settle for second best – even in some careers seen traditionally as a “ man ’ s world ”.
And with its website containing more than 100 real-life stories of female career journeys , it ’ s a fantastic reference point for young girls wanting to follow their dreams .
The campaign ’ s roots were sown six years ago when the late Professor Jane Turner OBE saw a survey suggesting Middlesbrough was the worst place in the country for a young girl to grow up .
Appalled at the statistic , Jane – formerly pro vice-chancellor for enterprise and business engagement at Teesside University – vowed to do something about it and get people talking about the many inspirational females in our region .
Sadly , Jane died last year before she could see the campaign really take off .
But take off it has – to the extent there are now plans to extend its reach further across the north .
POW chair Jane Armitage , of Jacksons Law Firm , told This Is Tees Valley : “ Jane Turner was passionate about providing opportunities for young girls and women in the Tees Valley and realised that if we are to lift and shift these aspirations , girls need to see what is possible .
“ It ’ s a guiding principle of our campaign that seeing is believing , so it is important we collect stories from women from many different backgrounds , with different career paths and journeys and at different places along that journey .
“ We could fund the whole campaign if everyone who told us their story was not worth writing gave us a donation , but the truth is we need all these stories , as something in them all will resonate with a young girl somewhere and may change their outlook on their own career journey . It is that simple !”
Jane said the campaign has also launched a successful “ primary ambassadors programme ” – where school pupils are chosen to be part of the campaign .
And by catching them young , says Jane , it ’ s hoped to make girls “ believe in their potential and promote the belief that you should follow your dreams and that there is no such thing as girls ’ jobs and boys ’ jobs ”.
Jane added : “ We are so grateful to the companies and individuals who have supported the campaign by becoming supporters , sponsoring schools and providing work experience opportunities , as well as their stories .
“ If anyone would like to know more about the campaign , or can support it , then please get in touch .
“ Together we can make a difference and lift and shift the aspirations of the girls of the Tees Valley .”
The campaign has its own website and board of directors . And its marketing officer , Nieve Morrison , is a Power of Women
Future focus – the Power of Women campaign is raising the aspirations of the region ’ s girls .
Seeing is believing – Power of Women chair Jane Armitage says it ’ s vital to tell the stories of women from different backgrounds .
success story in her own right , helping coordinate the campaign while on an internship with This Is Tees Valley publishers Resolution – whose director , Dave Allan , is also on the POW board .
Indeed , POW has worked hand in hand with Resolution ’ s established Tees Businesswomen Awards , which itself are dedicated to raising the profile of the region ’ s successful businesswomen , creating role models and inspiring the next generation .
Tees Valley Education CEO Katrina Morley , the campaign ’ s deputy chair , said she was “ totally committed ” to the campaign .
She said : “ We have to lift and support the hopes , aspirations and possibilities for the women of this region if we are to add value to business , communities , families and the area as a whole going forward .”
Visit powerofwomen . org . uk
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