Ways to celebrate International Women’s Day in Manchester

It is International Women’s Day on 8th March, the annual event that celebrates female achievement and focuses attention on the continuing fight for gender equality.

Manchester is the home of strong influential women. The annual occasion dedicated to commemorating the movement for women’s rights is all the more reason to celebrate.

After all, the fight for female rights was forged for many here in Manchester – not only the city’s radical past contributing towards greater political power in the form of the Representation of the People Act 1918 – but here the Suffragette movement was also founded.

The event has particular resonance in Manchester where suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst was born and later rallied the troops from her home on Nelson Street.

In October 1903, the first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was held at 62 Nelson Street – not too far from what is now The University of Manchester – then home to the defiant political activist Emmeline Pankhurst who was named the greatest northerner of all time.

Now it is the base of the Pankhurst Centre, a museum you can still visit today. A statue of Emmeline was unveiled on St Peter’s Square in 2018.

Suffragette activity emerged out of The WSPU – with marching rallies through the city centre and public speeches from the Pankhurst family.

Specific Manchester buildings have their share of women’s history here, too.

For example, the Free Trade Hall is not only the place where Emmeline’s daughter Christabel and friend Annie Kenney interrupted a Liberal Party conference by demanding greater rights for women and were arrested, but the first public meeting on the issue of women’s rights was held here even earlier in 1868; itself led by a woman – Lydia Becker.

And the history of strong women here has continued, from politicians to women in Manchester music to so many more.

And then, of course, we’re coming up to the occasion to celebrate the ultimate woman in all our lives – Mum’s the word – it’s Mother’s Day on the 10th.

So, it’s no surprise there will be plenty of ways to mark the occasion. And rightly so.

International Women’s Day in Manchester

Accelerate Action at Manchester Central Library

Taking place at Manchester Central Library on Saturday, 8th March, the council’s celebrations promise to be an intriguing gathering of women, allies, and community organisations working towards gender equality.

With the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ IWD 2025 calls on supporters to challenge the systemic barriers that women from all backgrounds continue to face in their personal and professional lives.

Instead of its traditional ‘Walk for Women,’ Manchester City Council has collaborated with various women-led community organisations to design a fresh approach that better reflects the city’s diverse female voices.

Thanks to funding from the annual IWD grants programme, multiple community organisations will host events citywide, culminating in a special programme at Manchester Central Library under the banner of ‘HER: Heal, Encourage, Revive.’ Here’s what that means:

Heal (Performance Space)

Flourish Together: Mindfulness and relaxation session, 11 am-1 pm

Equal Education Chances: Letter writing and positive affirmations, 11:20 am- 12:15 pm

Encourage (Performance Space 2 and 3)

Community Thriving Together: Personal storytelling and overcoming challenges, 11 am-11:50 am

Trailblazers: Creative activity session including bookmark-making and stitching

Young Identity with Shirley May: Poetry performances, 11:55am-12:15pm

Flourish Together: Fireside chat with Nickala Torkington on women changemakers, 12:20pm-12:50pm

Revive (Performance Space 2 and 3)

Bollyfit: A multicultural dance-inspired exercise class, 1pm-1:30pm

Closing speech from Councillor Erinma Bell, 1:35pm-1:45pm

Uplifting DJ set to conclude the celebrations

Additionally, a pop-up spa in the Glass Room/Sensory Space will offer 20-minute Indian Head Massage treatments from 11am-2pm, providing a well-being retreat for attendees.

Community and support organisations

Throughout the day, key organisations such as Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), Manchester Rape Crisis, Fikawele African and Caribbean Mental Health, Walksafe, and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre will be present to promote their services and raise awareness of important issues affecting women in Manchester.

Councillor Erinma Bell, Lead Member for Women, expressed enthusiasm for this year’s programme: “Manchester has long been a city that champions gender equality, and this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations highlight the creativity and innovation of women’s voices in our community. This event is an opportunity to drive further action in ensuring that women can thrive in all areas of life. I encourage women from all backgrounds and generations to get involved and advocate for greater allyship.”

For more information or to book a place at the Women’s Community Festival, visit the event’s official website by clicking here

Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Museum in Manchester is throwing open its doors with FREE entry to mark International Women’s Day. The special open day will take place on Sunday 9th March (11am to 4pm) giving visitors the opportunity to explore the birthplace of the suffragette movement as the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

At the heart of the visitor experience is the permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.  This gives the opportunity to get to know the people behind the iconic Pankhurst name; their lives, influences, tragedies, resourcefulness and the factors that turned them into the campaigners they became.

How Sylvia used her skills as an artist to create the suffragette’s visual elements, including the use of purple, green and white and the angel of freedom, and Christabel campaigned for recognition of the academic achievements of women after becoming one of the first women to graduate with a law degree from the Victoria University of Manchester.

Free tickets for International Women’s Day at the Pankhurst Museum, taking place on Sunday 9th March, can be booked here. Ticket prices are normally £5 in advance and £6 on the door (free for under 16s) and regular opening hours are Thursday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.  The Pankhurst Museum welcomes donations which help to support the work of the Pankhurst Trust, which oversees the Grade II listed building and ensures that it remains open as a heritage attraction. For further information visit their website here

Manchester City and Buy Women Built

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Manchester City Football Club has partnered with Buy Women Built to host an inspiring event aimed at empowering the next generation of founders and footballers. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 8th March, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at Diecast, located in Manchester City Centre.

Event Highlights:

• Panel Discussions: Featuring City legends Steph Houghton and Karen Bardsley, alongside entrepreneurs Ella Mills (Founder of Deliciously Ella and Plants) and Julie Chen (Founder of Cheeky Panda), sharing their journeys and insights.

• Workshops: Engage in interactive sessions with Buy Women Built brands, including Little Moons, Pip Organic, Luminosity Glitter, Nails Inc., Shoreditch Nails, London Grace, Palette London, and Double Dutch Mixer.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with female founders from the Buy Women Built community and participate in a meet-and-greet with Houghton and Bardsley.

• Goodie Bags: Each attendee will receive a bag filled with products from participating Bur Women Built brands.

This event is designed for local young people aged 16-24, aiming to provide them with the tools and inspiration to excel in their respective fields. Tickets are available for purchase through Manchester City’s official website by clicking here

International Women’s Day Lunch with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

The International Women’s Day Lunch 2025 takes place on Friday, 7th March at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford. Organised by the pro-women committee in partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, this annual event promises an inspiring and inclusive celebration. With last year’s turnout of nearly 400 attendees, this year aims to be even bigger.

Maggie Oliver, former detective and founder of The Maggie Oliver Foundation, will be one of the featured speakers, sharing her journey from exposing the Rochdale Grooming Scandal to advocating for survivors of abuse. Leigh Dunkley, Regional Manager at Schroders Personal Wealth, will discuss financial empowerment for women, drawing on her experience in financial services and her leadership in SPWomen, the organisation’s gender equity network.

Phoebe Graham, professional cricketer for Lancashire Thunder and Manchester Originals, will reflect on her transition from a corporate career to full-time sport and her mission to promote gender equality in athletics. Tasnim Khalid, founder of Private Client Solicitors, will offer insights into estate planning and wealth protection, especially for female entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals.

Siobhan Forster, Senior Director at Alvarez & Marsal, will share her experience in technology disputes, including her groundbreaking work on the Post Office Horizon scandal. Nathan Ross, Regional Manager at Michael Page, will explore diversity and inclusion in hiring, drawing from his extensive leadership in DE&I initiatives. Nicola McCormick, Chief Operating Officer at pro-manchester, will discuss the evolving landscape of business networking and event planning.

The event will offer networking opportunities, a chance to engage with industry leaders, and a celebration of women’s achievements across various sectors. Tickets start at £60 + VAT for members and £75 + VAT for non-members, with table packages available. Look out for further speaker announcements and charity partnerships in the coming weeks.

You can get tickets by clicking here

Printworks’ Landmark digital art installation and makers market

On Saturday, 8th March, Printworks will mark International Women’s Day with a UK-first event: a 1,000m² digital art installation spanning 115 metres, honouring women of Manchester. The awe-inspiring digital art showcase will illuminate the stories of local women on Europe’s largest digital ceiling, creating a mesmerising visual celebration of identity, empowerment, and representation.

In addition to the groundbreaking art display, Printworks will host a special one-day Makers Market, running from 12–4pm. This market will spotlight Manchester’s incredible female-led businesses such as Stardust Bakery, Koala Nala, Sealed Links, Root 2 Ginger, and Oak Apple Plants. To complete the atmosphere, DJ Sez Benny and tarot card reader Solar Sister will add their own flair to the event.

The digital art installation is created by renowned Manchester-based artist Laura Frances Heitzman. Known for her bold, bright, and empowering creations, Heitzman will bring to life the portraits of inspiring women aged 14-70 years old, set against the backdrop of iconic Manchester locations like Castlefield, Stockport Underbanks, Ancoats Marina, and more.

Laura shared her excitement: “Illustrating real women from Manchester and bringing their stories to life in this way has been an incredible privilege. This installation is about identity, empowerment, and representation, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.”

The International Women’s Day celebration continues with exclusive perks throughout Printworks’ venues, offering free gym passes at Nuffield Health, discounted prosecco at Bierkeller, 2-for-1 cocktails at Tanks and Paddle, a complimentary karaoke session at Trax Social, and a free game of bowling at Tenpin between 10am and 12pm – ensuring a full day of empowering celebrations and experiences.

Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We’re merging technology, storytelling, and art to celebrate women of Manchester. With Europe’s largest digital ceiling as the canvas, we’re making sure their voices and stories are seen on a grand scale on International Women’s Day.”