‘Women key to supercharging economy’: Newcastle MP spotlights local talent on International Women’s Day

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah said that ‘women are key to supercharging the economy’ as the region celebrates International Women’s Day.

The global event to fight for gender equality takes place on March 8 and Ms Onwurah attended an event in Parliament to share her thoughts.

The MP brought along Ngozi Ossai, a pioneering business woman from the city who runs Gozi Haircare - NewcastleWorld spoke with Ngozi last year.

The Labour run event showcased stats highlighting that small and medium-sized women-led businesses contribute around £85 billion to the UK economy and that diverse companies are more commercially successful - companies with the most gender-diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to have above-average profitability than those with the least diverse teams.

Speaking at the event, Ms Onwurah said: “Women like Ngozi hold the key to supercharging our economy to get it back on track as we recover from a pandemic that hit women disproportionately hard.

“On International Women’s Day we recognise the amazing contribution that women make to our country and commit to tackle the challenges they still face.

“That’s why a Labour government would give women the security, prosperity and respect they deserve by backing women in business and industry and introducing stronger family-friendly rights.”

Ms Ossai reflected: “It was very encouraging to be in a room filled with inspiring female entrepreneurs and women in the industry.

“The progress of having more women in the room is definitely positive and motivating.

“Attending the International Women’s day reception in the Parliament and listening to the Labour Party’s Manifesto which includes plans to back and support women in overcoming the challenges faced in the society was uplifting and promising.”