When Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham celebrated his recent election victory, one phrase stood out.

He described those who helped deliver the campaign as a "band of strong northern power women", publicly recognising the contribution of women, including Labour MPs Louise Haigh and Anneliese Midgley.

Whether intentional or not, those words resonated with us.

For more than a decade, Northern Power Women, now We Are PoWEr, has championed the idea that women across the North are not only shaping organisations and communities but driving meaningful change across society.

Too often, leadership stories focus on individuals. The reality is that progress is built collectively. Behind every successful campaign, organisation, movement or business are people whose contribution isn't always visible.

That's why public recognition matters.

When influential leaders acknowledge the expertise, leadership and impact of women, it sends a powerful signal. It challenges outdated perceptions about who holds influence and who drives success.

Andy Burnham has long been a supporter of Northern Power Women, recognising the importance of creating opportunities, amplifying diverse voices and celebrating leadership across the region.

Most recently, he joined us at the Northern Power Women Awards to present Figen Murray OBE with an award recognising her extraordinary contribution and impact.

This year, our community generated £12.3 million in social value. Behind that figure are countless women leading change in boardrooms, classrooms, communities and businesses across the North.

The phrase "strong northern power women" may have been used in the context of an election victory, but its significance reaches much further.

It reflects a reality we see every day. Across the North, women are leading, innovating, influencing and creating impact.