By Megan Hall. Featured image: Clavis&Claustra
International Women’s Day (IWD) is an important celebration of the social, cultural, political and economic achievements of women who have impacted women’s lives today. Created to champion women’s rights, gender equality, reproductive rights and abuse against women, he annual commemoration is about celebrating, educating and fundraising.
In light of its significance, a variety of activities are held to ensure people can continue supporting gender equality. This global day is especially important for Manchester, for a great deal of women’s history was made in this city.
The Suffragette movement refers mainly to the Women’s Social and Political Union: an all-female activist group dedicated to protesting for votes for women, which was founded by Emmeline Pankhurst in 1903. Pankhurst was born in Moss Side and curated the WSPU in her home, a place now known as the Pankhurst Centre in Chorlton-On-Medlock.
International Women’s Day 2024 takes place on Friday 8th March. Not sure how to celebrate? There’s many different activities for everybody to enjoy. We’ve listed some great events going on for IWD.
IWD Walk for Women 2024
City centre | Free
Saturday 9th March, 12pm
The infamous annual walk for IWD Walk for Women takes place this weekend. This walk is an opportunity to come together with the community to share our passion for equality and creating opportunities for Manchester women. You are encouraged to bring along fun, safe and noisy instruments to bang and clang, or make the most of your voice and join us with our chants. The event starts at 12pm on Mount Street behind Manchester Central Library and dropped kerbs will be along the route for wheelchair access.
Ember’s International Women’s Day Special
Cultplex | Tickets £17 plus booking fee
Friday 8th March, 7:30pm
Enjoy cabaret and circus? The Ember’s IWD special is being held at Cultplex, where a fun, adults-only, and female empowering show will entertain and enlighten. Expect mesmerising music, sensual burlesque and hypnotising circus.
International Women’s Day Guided Tour
People’s History Museum | Tickets from £6
Friday 8th March, 10:30am or 12:45pm
For a more extensive look at Manchester’s female history, go for the IWD guided tour. A 45-minute guided tour of the People’s History Museum, where you’ll explore the origins of Manchester’s impressive feminism story, and learn how they truly managed to campaign for equality over the past 200 years. Included will be the lives of female reformists, trade unionists, MPs, radicals and suffragettes.
International Women’s Day Event: Slogan Bunting Workshop
The Pankhurst Centre | Free
Friday 8th March, 6-8pm
The Pankhurst Centre is holding a protest bunting workshop, where you can contribute in making slogan bunting for display. This fun morale-raising activity will take place at the Pankhurst Centre in Chorlton-upon-Medlock.
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