International Women's Day: What these North East women say

Gender differences in such things as pension incomes could persist for decades to come, according to a report.

Inequalities remain when it comes to private pension wealth, even for the youngest generations of working age.

This implies that there will be persistent gender differences in average private pension incomes for decades to come, the IFS said.

Read more: International Women's Day: 50 inspirational North East figures doing amazing things

The research, funded by the Nuffield Foundation as part of a series of reports on pension saving over the life cycle, was launched to coincide with International Women’s Day.

Pam Royle Walker, Deputy Lieutenant representing His Majesty The King’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, said: “What an honour to be listed amongst so many inspirational women.

“Today as women globally connect for positive change and inclusion, let’s all believe in ourselves and what we want to do.

“Let’s make the most of opportunities and have the confidence to speak up.

“Remember our legendary North East phrase, ‘Shy bairns get nowt.’ 

“Go for it, not just today but everyday!

“And thanks to all the women down the generations who have played their part in helping to forge a way forward thus far for equality and equity.”

Pam Royle Walker. Picture: The Northern Echo (Image: The Northern Echo)

Read more: Households to receive £50-£200 cost of living payment in next 20 days

Joan Lawrence, mother of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence, said: “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the strength of women, and I’m very honoured and grateful to be included in The Northern Echo’s list.

“Every day that Claudia is missing is a nightmare but I try to stay strong and I welcome anything that keeps the spotlight on her disappearance in the hope that we find an answer one day.”

Joan Lawrence. Picture: Stuart Boulton (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Vera Baird, DBE KC, former Labour Party MP for Redcar, and former Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria Police, said: “International Women’s Day is an excellent way to focus attention on the many outstanding issues that women still face in this age.

“In the workplace, the big issues continue to be a lack of equal pay, a lack of proper measurement of what equal pay for equal work means, but we have to consider that the gender pay gap has actually increased in the last year which is dreadful, and, generally, the workplace continues to discriminate based on pregnancy.

“In terms of the criminal justice system, the failure to prosecute on domestic abuse cases and rape, which does not instil confidence in women, so it’s imperative that that is taken seriously.”

Dame Vera Baird, DBE KC. Picture: David Wood (Image: David Wood)

Hannah Chapman, the first female editor of The Northern Echo, and current editor of sister title the Darlington & Stockton Times, said: “It’s always inspiring to see the achievements of so many brilliant women in the spotlight on International Women’s Day – especially those working so hard to smooth the path to success for others following in their footsteps.

“As someone involved in playing and coaching sport at grassroots level, it’s been fantastic to see great strides in how women’s sport is perceived over the last year, thanks in no small part to the success of the Lionesses.

“But as well as celebrating all these wonderful individuals and teams on International Women’s Day, it’s also an occasion to remember the many challenges still facing women in this country, such as rising childcare costs, and everyday misogyny, and around the world, where women in many countries, such as Afghanistan, are being effectively erased from society.

“For me, it’s important to highlight both the positive and negative experiences of women at this point in time as we mark International Women’s Day in 2023.”

Hannah Chapman, former editor of The Northern Echo, and current editor of The Darlington & Stockton Times. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Mary Kelly Foy, MP for the City of Durham, said: “Although we have made great strides towards equality, there is still much to do. From harassment in the workplace to the continued existence of the gender pay gap, women continue to face challenges every day. 

“Personally, being mother and carer to my three wonderful children meant that I could only work part-time. The lack of support for unpaid carers disproportionally impacts women in our society as caring responsibilities often fall to women; an issue intrinsically linked to the gender pay gap. 

“On International Women’s Day, I pay tribute to all the strong, wonderful women of the North East who still find themselves having to fight for their voices to be heard.”

Mary Foy, MP for City of Durham (Image: London Portrait Photoqrapher-DAVID WOOLFALL)