In celebration of International Women’s Day, Newcastle City Council and its partners invited residents to shine a light on the women who have inspired them by sharing their stories.
On 7 March, more than 100 exceptional women from diverse sectors including business, academia, and community services are being recognised for their contributions to the city at a special celebration event.
Newcastle City Council and its partners Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Newcastle College, Newcastle Hospital Trust, Northumbria Police and the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board joined forces to bring together over 350 key representatives from across the city for the celebration.
The event was also made possible by the generous support of its sponsors—Ward Hadaway, Newcastle International Airport, Pegasus Group, Knight Frank and Castle Peak Group.
Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “It gives me great pride to see and hear all the amazing stories of the inspirational women from across the city and beyond who are making such a positive difference to our communities.
“We have strong and influential women in a variety of prominent positions, from our own Chief Executive here at the council, the North East Mayor and many MPs in the North East, to women at the helm of a range of important businesses, sectors and community positions all around us.
“That doesn’t mean, however, that we live in an equal society, and there is still significant progress to be made, such as the gender pay gap as one example. That’s why I’m committed to breaking down the barriers people face with protected characteristics, of which sex is just one.
“This International Women’s Day we are incredibly excited to be holding this celebration of influential women from Newcastle and the wider region. Their stories are truly remarkable, and I have no doubt they will inspire others to go on and achieve their own successes.
“The progress that’s been made with equalities shows that change can happen, and it allows previously-untapped potential to be fulfilled. That is exactly why we are committed to continuing to do all we can to tackle those inequalities that continue to exist today.”
The 2025 International Women’s Day theme, set by the United Nations, calls for ‘action that can unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all.’ In support of this, Newcastle is committed to becoming a Real Living Wage City, a crucial step toward building an inclusive economy that benefits everyone, especially women. Currently, women represent six out of ten of the lowest-paid workers, making this initiative particularly impactful.
Over 100 Newcastle businesses have already signed on as Real Living Wage Employers, with further expansion planned to grow this vital network.
While significant progress has been made, much work remains. Women continue to contribute immense unpaid labour through caregiving and family support, and women in the North East earn, on average, £3,949 less than their male counterparts. The Council is calling for continued collective action to promote real living wage employment, reduce insecure and low-paid work, and foster inclusive workplace cultures that support all employees.
The overwhelming support for this event highlights the vital role women play across Newcastle’s economy and society. Moving forward, the Council is committed to building on this momentum to ensure a future where equality, opportunity, and empowerment are available to all.
Following the International Women’s Day celebration, it is hoped partners will come together to formally establish the barriers holding women back in Newcastle with recommendations on how to tackle them; and launch a council-led Women of Newcastle Policy Network to enable women and their allies to create a supportive environment for learning, development, and collaboration for positive change locally.