Manchester Central Library has unveiled a day-long free programme to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) this March.
Taking over the cultural landmark on Sat 8 Mar, the schedule has been built as ‘a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Accelerate Action’, which calls on supporters of gender equality to act against systemic barriers women from all backgrounds face in their personal and professional environments.
Manchester Council has joined forces with a diverse range of women-led community organisations to co-design the day’s programme. Funding was made available for community organisations to host IWD events across the city through the annual IWD grants programme.
A celebratory community-led programme of workshops, performances and discussions has also been planned for the day itself at Manchester Central Library based around the acronym HER: Heal Encourage, Revive.
Manchester Central Library’s International Women’s Day programme (Sat 8 Mar):
Heal – Performance Space
- Flourish Together; Mindfulness Activity for relaxation and meditation, 11am – 1pm
- Equal Education Chances; letter writing and positive affirmations session, 11.20am – 12.15pm
Encouraged – Performance Space 2 and 3
- Community Thriving Together; sharing personal stories and overcoming challenges, 11am – 11:50am
- Trailblazers; Banner Making (remove ‘banner making’) including creating bookmarks and stitching
- Young Identity with Shirley May; poetry performance by Young Identity members, 11.55am – 12.15pm
- Flourish Together; a 30-minute fireside chat chaired by Nickala Torkington about women changemakers, 12.20pm – 12.50pm.
Revived – Performance Space 2 and 3
- Bollyfit; an exercise class inspired by multicultural dance, 1pm – 1.30pm
- Councillor Ermina Bell will give a closing speech about the event, 1.35pm – 1.45pm
- DJ set to inspire and uplift
Glass Room/Sensory Space
- Flourish Together; Bookable pop-up spa for treatments for 20 mins including Indian Head Massage in a clothed and seated setting, 11am – 2pm
Running alongside, the events on the day will be accompanied by partner stalls of specialist community organisations including Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), Manchester Rape Crisis, Fikawele African and Caribbean Mental Health, Walksafe and Ahmed Iqbal Ullah (AIU) RACE Centre who will be on hand to raise awareness and promote their services.
Councillor Erinma Bell, Lead Member for Women, said: “Manchester has long been a city that has championed and supported women in the fight for gender equality.
“It’s fantastic to see the range of creativity and innovation in the events this year for International Women’s Day with the aim of accelerating further action for women to thrive personally and professionally.
“I would encourage women from all backgrounds and generations to get involved, because there is something for everyone and to advocate for more allies join in on the celebrations and inform our priorities for advancing women’s equality this year.”
For more information, or to book an event, click here.
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 24 Feb 2025