Manchester Celebrate International Women’s Day 2015

A programme of events and activities are being held across Manchester in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).

Manchester’s theme for IWD 2015 is, ‘Breaking Through’, chosen to recognise the incredible achievement of many women who have succeeded against the odds.

This year women’s groups from across the city were invited to apply for a grant of up to £1,000 – through Manchester City Council’s small grant fund for local not-for-profit organisations – to host activities and events related to women. The City Council has funded over twenty organisations to provide a diverse range of events and activities across the City.

Not -for-profit event management company Dulcet Sounds will provide a free basic sound engineering course for young women. Intended to provide a stepping stone to event management for participants looking to work as sound engineers, the event, held at The Lesbian and Gay Foundation on Richmond Street, will allow women to learn the basics about PA systems, DJ equipment, microphones, instruments and how to set them up.

Other funded events include:

• A variety of inspirational talks by women from black and minority ethnic communities (BME). The talks held at four different venues across the city feature BME women speakers from all walks of life.
• A workshop for women affected by dementia. Whether diagnosed with dementia or caring for someone with dementia- here you can help create a banner, representing things that we enjoy and care about in life, including the love and friendship of others. Attendees of the free workshop, led by local textile artist, Liz Cooksey, will also be treated to afternoon tea and live music.
• Traditional Irish instruments will be featured in a workshop at Chorlton Irish Club. Featuring fiddle, flute, button accordion, uilleann pipes and singing- there will also be an opportunity to try out the uilleann pipes under the guidance of teachers from the North West Uilleann Pipers.

Councillor Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Mancunian women are producing a fantastic variety of events and activities across the city to celebrate International Women’s Day – highlighting women’s achievements and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

“Historically, Manchester has long been associated with inspiring women and it’s wonderful to see that the tradition continues today.”

Manchester council works in partnership with a range of organisations across the City including the BBC, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University as well as active local women to mark and celebrate International women’s Day.

An awards ceremony recognising women who have made a positive contribution to the city will be held on Friday 6 March at Manchester Town Hall (Nominations ended in December). Singing at the ceremony will be, ‘Women Asylum Seekers Together’, one of the organisations who received a grant. The evening will also include a film made by students from Manchester College about this year’s theme Breaking Through.

Councillor Josie Teubler, Manchester City Council’s lead member for women and chair of Manchester’s International Women’s Day steering group said: “The award ceremony is a great way to showcase the amazing efforts and dedication of these women. Their work is deserving of recognition and is of real benefit to their local communities and Manchester as a whole.”

The full diary of events can be viewed online: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/iwd