An online campaign is inspiring women across Greater Manchester to believe they can become leaders in their chosen careers.
Two directors of Yellow Jigsaw, a community interest communications company, started the #imnotjohn campaign.
Kirsty Day and business partner Grace Dyke were inspired after reading research that showed a lack of women occupying the top jobs in FTSE100 companies – with more men called John who are chief executives than any women.
Half a million people have already been reached on social media from Sale to San Diego through a dedicated Thunderclap and by sharing success stories of successful entrepreneurs who are championing the campaign through blog writing.
More than 120 people joined the launch event for the campaign at the Museum of Science and Industry, which kicked off a week of activity running from November 9 to 13.
Data was collected at the launch on how equality can be achieved, which will be passed on to MP Lucy Powell and the Government Equalities Office, to help shape policy and make changes.
Kirsty, 35, from Sale, said: "This is our first year in business and as a not-for-profit we were keen to run a campaign straight away and #imnotjohn raises issues that are important to both of us.
"We want the campaign to provide women across Greater Manchester with role models who show that you don’t have to be a John, to succeed and be the boss.
"We have met some fantastic examples of female leaders and have been showcasing them on our website and through social media. They are championing the #imnotjohn campaign and challenging this research, which we read about in the Guardian.
"They are giving women who want to rise up the ranks the belief that they too can be the boss in their chosen career.
“We hope it inspires women and men to make sure our generation and the next generation of Janes aren’t outnumbered by the Johns.”
Mum-of-two Kirsty added: “It is important to have a balance of the sexes in business, whether that be in construction, banking, nursing, media or teaching.
"This in no way is a man hating campaign, I have two sons, and of course want them to grow up to be successful but I want them to be sharing the top seats with women and for that to be normal, which ultimately is better for business.
"Ability is sexless but at the moment opportunity is not, more men are in the top jobs and the balance needs to change.”
SOURCE: Manchester Evening News
