Manchester, a city with a proud history of equality and suffrage, will be putting on a show of strength to celebrate the city’s strong women with a ‘Walk for Women’ celebrating International Women’s Day 2018.
On this momentous anniversary year which marks one hundred years of the first women winning the right to vote, the Council is calling on organisations, community groups, bands, friends, individuals or anyone with a connection to the city to take part in their ‘Walk for Women’ on Saturday 3 March 2pm – 4pm.
Starting on St Peter’s Square, a procession will make it way to Castlefield Bowl where a succession of strong Manchester Women will be taking to the stage. Deputy leader Councillor Sue Murphy will open the event with singer, performer Claire Mooney, alongside author, poet and storyteller Aisha Mirza as well as stand up comedy and performer Jackie Hagan just a few of the women performing on the day.
Councillor Sarah Judge, lead member for women at Manchester City Council and Chair of the International Women’s Day Steering Group said: “We want to celebrate women, and what they have achieved in the last one hundred years. 2018 is a year in which we can reflect on achievements but also look forward to where we still need to go to achieve true equality. We want to mark this poignant year with a ‘Walk for Women’ showing the world how great Manchester and its women are, putting women at the heart of the event but throwing the invitation open to everyone who supports women and our cause.”
Councillor Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council said: “As a council which has championed the rights of women for many years, this International Women’s Day is an important date marking the economic, political and social achievements of women and this event is not just a celebration but a thank you to women in this centenary year. We take pride in our strong Manchester women who contribute enormously to the city and are the glue that hold many of our communities and neighbourhoods together. This is just one of a number of events taking place to celebrate IWD and there are also many more to look forward to commemorating this landmark in the history of women fight for equality.”
Groups wishing to take part in the procession are encouraged to register online but on the day anyone can turn up and take part.
To register your group to take part in the procession visit manchester.gov.uk/IWD
