By Sarah Dale
3 February 2026
Power of Women (POW) has been named as a finalist in the Micro Organisation category at the 2026 Northern PoWEr Women Awards, which celebrate individuals and organisations driving equity, inclusion and social impact across the North.
The community interest company (CIC) – established following the publication of a report* which claimed that Middlesbrough was the “worst place for a girl to grow up” – has been recognised for its work to elevate aspirations, challenge gender stereotypes and build confidence and resilience in children and young people. Beyond its impactful Primary School Ambassador Programme, which engages children aged nine to 11, its reach extends to secondary schools, further education and the wider community through its popular women’s networking group.
Head of campaign and operations at POW, Sophie McKenna said: “Being named a finalist is incredibly meaningful for us because it recognises the voices, confidence and ambition of the young people we work with every day.
“Power of Women was created to challenge the idea that background or postcode should limit potential, and this recognition reflects the collective effort of our schools, partners and supporters who believe, as we do, that investing in girls and young people creates lasting change for communities across Teesside.”
The Northern PoWEr Women Awards is marking a decade of recognising individuals and organisations accelerating gender equality, belonging and inclusion across the North of England.
On Thursday 12 March 2026, the Northern PoWEr Women Awards, will bring together over 1,000 influential leaders, organisations, entrepreneurs, changemakers and advocates from across the North to mark its milestone 10th year. Taking place in the week of International Women’s Day, Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality, they will shine a spotlight on the role models driving progress and building a fairer, more inclusive future.
This year’s finalists represent the full breadth of the North’s talent across business, technology, health, education, construction, professional services, manufacturing and the third sector. From frontline emergency services and grassroots community organisations to senior leaders shaping rail, infrastructure, health, technology and professional services, the 2026 entries reflect the scale, diversity and ambition of those creating change.
The Northern PoWEr Women Awards marks a decade of championing gender equality and inclusive leadership, convening a powerful cross-sector network across the North West, Yorkshire, North East and North Wales. This growing movement has helped accelerate cultural change, strengthen diverse talent pipelines and position the North as a national leader in equity, inclusion and social impact – while celebrating the achievements of the role models, allies and organisations reshaping workplaces, communities and industries.
Simone Roche MBE, founder and CEO of We Are PoWEr, said: “Reaching our 10th year is a powerful moment for the Northern PoWEr Women Awards. What began as a bold idea has become a movement that shines a light on those who are not only achieving success but actively using their influence to open doors for others. The 2026 finalists reflect the very best of the North – courageous leaders, committed allies and organisations driving real, measurable change.”
A full list of finalists across all categories can be viewed at https://wearepower.net/awards/finalists
2026 partners include co-headline partners Bank of America and Barclays, Future List Game Changer partner AstraZeneca alongside category partners Arcadis, Asda Property and Construction, BT Group, Connected Places Catapult, Gleeds, KTSL, LNER, Manchester Airports Group and Weightmans.
For more information about POW, becoming a sponsor, the pupil ambassador programme or networking events, please visit https://powerofwomen.org.uk or email: hello@powerofwomen.org.uk
*The children’s charity, Plan International UK, published a report called The State of Girls’ Rights in the UK in 2016 which listed the top 10 best and worst places to be a girl in England and Wales. The areas were ranked according to child poverty, life expectancy, teenage pregnancy, GCSE results and numbers Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Middlesbrough was named the worst place for a girl to grow up in England and Wales.
The primary schools supported by POW are: Aycliffe Village Primary School – Newton Aycliffe, Brambles Primary Academy, Middlesbrough, Coatham Primary School – Redcar, Discovery Special Academy, Middlesbrough, Dormanstown Primary Academy – Redcar, Eldon Grove Academy, Hartlepool, Heathfield Primary School, Darlington, Marton Manor, Middlesbrough, Pallister Park Primary, Middlesbrough, Pennyman Primary Academy, Middlesbrough, Roseberry Primary School, Billingham, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Middlesbrough, St Bede’s Catholic Academy, Stockton-on-Tees, St Bega’s, St Benedict’s, St Gabriel’s, Ormesby, St Helen’s Primary School, Hartlepool, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Norton, Thorntree Academy, Middlesbrough, Tilery Primary School, Stockton, West View Primary, Hartlepool, and Wilton Primary Academy, Lazenby. Secondary schools are: North Shore Academy, Stockton, Bishopsgarth Outwood – Stockton, Bydales Outwood – Marske, Boroughbridge Secondary School with several more in the planning.
POW is supported by a range of local and national businesses, including AbacusBean, Active Financial, Bentley’s Coffee Shop, BTS Fabrications, Climb & Conquer, Cygnet Law, Her Invest, HR2Day, Jacksons, Moonrise 24 hr Recruitment, New World Financial, Opportunity Global, PD Ports, PX Group, Resolution Media & Publishing, SASS media, Spark, Taylor Wimpey, Teesside University, The Digital Gene, The Hub Events, Thirteen, 360 Growth Partners, Tracerco, Visualsoft, Ward Hadaway, and Yellowbox.
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