Women’s history month: celebrating North East women who shaped business and the economy
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Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women to society, industry, and business. The North East has a rich history of women who have shaped its economy, driven innovation, and paved the way for future generations. From industrial pioneers to retail magnates, their influence can still be felt today.
Dame Margaret Barbour: a global brand with local roots
Dame Margaret Barbour is one of the North East’s most influential businesswomen, known for transforming the Barbour brand into a globally recognised fashion icon. Taking over the South Shields-based company in 1968 after the sudden death of her husband, she modernised the brand while keeping its heritage intact. Under her leadership, Barbour has remained a key employer in the region and an ambassador for British manufacturing. She also established the Barbour Foundation, donating millions to North East charities, education, and community projects.
Josephine Butler: a social and economic reformer
Born in Northumberland in 1828, Josephine Butler was a leading social reformer who played a crucial role in improving working conditions for women. She campaigned for better rights for female workers, particularly in industries where they were exploited. Her advocacy for women’s education and employment rights laid the foundation for greater female participation in the workforce, helping shape the North East’s economy in the long run.
Catherine Cookson: a literary powerhouse and philanthropist
Though best known as a novelist, South Shields-born Catherine Cookson also had a significant impact on the North East’s economy. Her books, which often depicted working-class life in the region, became international bestsellers, generating wealth that she reinvested into the local community. Through the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust, she donated millions to hospitals, universities, and cultural institutions in the North East, ensuring long-term support for education and healthcare.
Hilda Burkitt: fighting for women’s workplace rights
Hilda Burkitt, originally from Wolverhampton, was a key suffragette campaigner who later settled in the North East and contributed to women’s rights in employment. She was instrumental in ensuring better working conditions for women in factories, advocating for fair wages and opportunities in industries that historically excluded them. Her efforts helped shape more equitable workplaces in the region, influencing labour laws that benefited women for generations.
Celebrating past and present
These pioneering women helped shape the North East’s business and economic landscape, leaving legacies that still influence the region today. Their determination, leadership, and commitment to change have inspired generations of women in business.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to recognise both historical figures and the modern-day female leaders continuing to drive the North East forward.