The Power of Women Impact Report 2022-2023

IMPACT REPORT 2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Introduction 4 Our Story So Far 6 Our Why 7 Our Work 11 Our Sponsors and Partners 12 What our Ambassadors Say

INTRODUCTION The Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum revealed that women will have to wait around 131 years to close the gender gap with men at the current pace.

This progress is far too slow. What's holding back equality?

Research shows that outdated social norms and stereotypes are the main reasons. They hold our children and young people back, limiting their dreams, opportunities and potential.

These norms act as significant barriers to achieving real gender equality.

We envision a world where a girl should have the freedom to shape the life she desires, without being limited by damaging norms and stereotypes. Equally important, we envision a world where boys are also free from harmful stereotypes about manhood and masculinity. In this world, economies would flourish, creating opportunities for everyone.

BUT TO GET THERE, WE NEED COLLECTIVE ACTION.

OUR STORY SO FAR At PoW, we want to encourage all children to be who they want to be. To do this, we need to teach our children about inequalities so they can understand why they exist, and we need to offer examples which undermine the harmful stereotypes that are out there.

Our Vision

Our Mission

We envision a world where our children have the freedom to shape the life they desire, without being limited by damaging norms and stereotypes.

We empower children and young people, promoting equality, and smashing gender stereotypes. We work with business role models to inspire young minds to dream big, showing that nothing can limit their potential.

68%

OF UK GIRLS FEEL HELD BACK BY HARMFUL GENDER STEREOTYPES https://plan-uk.org/international-day-of-the-girl-2021? utm_campaign=day-of-the-girlfy22&utm_medium=press&utm_source=p-r)

AGE 6 CHILDREN BEGIN TO FORM STEREOTYPES ABOUT OCCUPATIONS, CAREERS AND UNIVERSTIES (National Foundation for Educational Research (NFRE) research)

OUR STORY SO FAR Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, was the visionary behind the Power of Women Campaign, driving its success from its inception.

Having spent the majority of her life in the North East, Jane had a profound understanding of the obstacles young women in the Tees Valley region faced while striving to establish their careers and achieve happiness and fulfilment. She firmly believed that it was our collective moral duty to create a brighter future for these young girls and women. Jane sadly passed away in 2021.

Today, her legacy lives on through the Power of Women Campaign, which seeks to break down gender stereotypes, make a significant and lasting impact and transform the lives of children and young people for the better.

OUR WHY From an early age, gender stereotypes have the power to restrict the choices children make.

This is visible in the careers they dream of, the school subjects they connect with and how they interact with their peers in and out of school.

These stereotypes guide girls and boys along different paths, which later show up in their career decisions, earnings, mental well-being and tendencies for aggressive behaviour.

WE WORK IN SCHOOLS, AND WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY, TO BREAK DOWN THE STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICES THAT ARE AFFECTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE’S FUTURES.

OUR WORK 2022-2023

Why do we concentrate our work in Primary Schools?

Studies indicate that gender stereotypes have significant effects on children's career aspirations and academic performance. By the age of six, girls tend to avoid subjects they perceive as requiring exceptional intelligence, leading to lower participation in STEM fields later in life.

Additionally, girls' anxiety about mathematics stems from beliefs influenced by gender stereotypes. At a young age, boys are four times more likely than girls to express interest in becoming engineers, illustrating the impact of these stereotypes on career choices.

NUMBER

13 52 1,950

OUTCOME schools engaged with the programme PoW ambassadors from Key Stage 2 primary school children reached

OUR WORK 2022-2023

We work with the business community, because you can't be what you can't see.

We ignite moments of inspiration through business based events and projects that raise aspirations and create 'lightbulb moments'.

PoW believes that primary school pupils need more opportunities to learn about different career options to combat the ingrained stereotyping that sets in by age 7. It is crucial for employers to collaborate with primary schools and welcome them into their workplaces, that's why we are working to introduce inspiring professionals into classrooms at the earliest opportunity.

By doing so, we help children align their aspirations with real-world career possibilities and provide children with a better understanding of the various career paths available to them.

35

Fundraising Events to Generate Essential Funds for PoW

10

Companies Extended Corporate Sponsorship to Provide Us with Financial Support

5

Inspirational Workplace Visits for Our Ambassadors

WE GO BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL MODEL OF SIMPLY CONNECTING BUSINESSES WITH SCHOOLS. INSTEAD, WE TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER BY CURATING A DYNAMIC PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AND PROJECTS THAT ACTIVELY INVOLVE STUDENTS, NURTURE STUDENTS’ INSPIRATION AND ENGAGEMENT.

200 children and young people participated in our inspirational events

OUR WORK 2022-2023

Making a Difference Together: Our Need for Grants, Sponsorship and Fundraising As a Community Interest Company (CiC) committed to children and young people - grants, sponsorship and fundraising are the lifelines of our efforts. With the vital support of grants, sponsors and our PoW community, we can extend our reach and impact.

Without these resources, our ability to fulfil our mission would be severely limited. We're deeply grateful for the partnerships and contributions that enable us to empower the next generation for a better tomorrow.

£250

£500 £2000

HELPS US SUPPORT ONE SCHOOL AMBASSADOR ANNUALLY

LETS US HOST ONE FUNDRAISING EVENT

HELPS US REACH A NEW SCHOOL

OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

WHAT OUR AMBASSADORS SAY “IT'S MADE ME THINK ABOUT GOING TO UNIVERSITY”

“WE’RE TRYING TO MAKE THE WORLD EQUAL”

“YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHANGE WHO YOU ARE IN AN INTERVIEW. JUST BE YOURSELF”

“IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO SOMETHING, YOU CAN”

“WE ARE REALLY LUCKY AND SPECIAL TO BE A PART OF POW”

“YOU CAN HAVE ANY JOB IN THE WORLD”

Join us and help us change the world!

And together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF

POW Find out more at: POWEROFWOMEN.ORG.UK HELLO@POWEROFWOMEN.ORG.UK @POWEROFWOMEN