IN 2016, A REPORT NAMED MIDDLESBROUGH AS “THE WORST PLACE TO GROW UP A GIRL.” RATHER THAN ACCEPT THIS, THE LATE PROFESSOR JANE TURNER OBE DL, PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR FOR ENTERPRISE & BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT AT TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY, DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO.
Jane brought together a passionate team, established Power of Women, appointed a Board of Directors and set out a clear plan to create change for girls and for all young people across the Tees Valley.
Her purpose was bold and unwavering:
To build self-belief and confidence
To create fair access to opportunity
To challenge and break down gender stereotypes
Today, PoW supports girls and young women from all backgrounds to recognise their strengths, believe in themselves and see what’s possible for their futures. Alongside growing male allyship and community support, confidence is building, doors are opening and futures are expanding.
To create a fairer society delivering equality of opportunity for all, where every girl and woman can reach her full potential, no matter her background, gender or postcode.
Leading from the Tees Valley, we deliver gender equality through the POWer of engagement, education and empowerment.
“It [POW] has taught me to always have faith and confidence in the things I do in life. Always be proud of myself and my achievements.”
“I came away with new insight on what it means to be empowered, and I feel grateful to the organisation for championing successful women in my local area. I feel as though I’ve gained some really useful skills for the future.”
- STUDENT
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our work to date, sharing our vision of a future where every girl and young woman can reach her full potential, no matter what her background or postcode.
Our latest Impact Report is testament to what your support means to young people, and what we’re able to do and achieve because of it.
Analysis commissioned by Power of Women (2025) and led by Tees Valley Education revealed:
Entrenched inequality Women in the North East earn significantly less than men and remain underrepresented in leadership, with only 6.1% holding senior roles.
Child poverty crisis Every local authority in the North East has child poverty levels above the national average, with families in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland among the most affected.
Educational inequality Middlesbrough has one of the highest exclusion and absenteeism rates in England. Children from low-income backgrounds often perform well at primary level but fall behind during secondary education due to exclusion, poor mental health and reduced opportunity.
Mental health disparities One in five secondary school students now experiences a mental health condition. In areas such as Redcar, poverty and family instability remain signifi cant contributing factors.
Intersecting barriers Young people from working-class backgrounds are four times less likely to access creative or leadership opportunities than their southern peers — limiting confi dence, networks and social mobility.
THESE CHALLENGES ARE NOT INEVITABLE.
THEY ARE SYSTEMIC AND THEY ARE SOLVABLE.
Through early intervention, inclusive education, strong role models and sustained community support, we work alongside young people to build confi dence, challenge inequality and create fairer futures.
Power of Women is a community interest company dedicated to building confidence, creating opportunities and unlocking potential for young people across the Tees Valley.
Spearheaded by the Late Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, this campaign embodies Jane’s determination and commitment to improving life chances of girls in the Tees Valley region. We want to give girls and young women of the region the inspiration, tools and support that they need to take control over the direction of their own lives, and to not just survive, but thrive.
Power Of Women CIC
17 Falcon Court,
Preston Farm Industrial Estate,
Stockton-On-Tees,
TS18 3TU
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