IWD: Tees Valley business leaders on challenges many still face
This year's theme is "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment"
Last updated 1st May 2025
It is International Women's Day and we are hearing from female business leaders in the Tees Valley about what challenges many still face.
The worldwide day aims to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Max Freer is from Female Founders UK which is based in the Teesside and she said: "I'm a native from Teesside and growing it was very difficult for me to house opportunities; in terms of where I wanted to go and the role models that I wanted to see weren't present, they weren't infront of me so I think having real world events to make it real and in reach for girls in Teesside is so, so important.
"I grew up in South Bank in Middlesbrough and I had to work really, really hard to get out of there. I faced social, financial and economic deprivation and I still see that everywhere around me in Teesside, so these conversations are really, really important and the way we can make change is by influencing businesses."
Claire Preston is from Power of Women, which looks to put an end to gender inequality across the Tees Valley and she said: "It's a wonderful day of celebration that raises awareness but obviously it's not about one day. It's about the whole month of celebration but also the signposting of what's going on nationally, locally and doing more about that, so it's about signposting the great things that are going on but also looking at where there's still a gap and what we can do about it collectively.
"The Power of Women was established in response to a report in 2016 that said Teesside was the worst place in the country to grow up for teenage girls, so we do need to do something about this and it's our job to actually now show young people what's possible and able to access the opportunities that now exist for them."
Dr. Nichole Munro is the chief executive of Atomix Education Trust, which is based in Guisborough and she said: "If we can empower women within our local areas, we empower women all oevr the world. It's about creating a balanced playing field to support everybody. It's a powerful stage and we need partners in the male sector around us to really step up, stand with us and open those doors that are still closed.
"It's about believing in yourself and making use of the opportunities and the networks that you have to work towards whatever goal it is that you're working towards. People can change, people can get out, people can reinvent themselves and I think that's a really powerful message."