International Women’s Day 2020: Events in Manchester
International Women’s Day 2020 (IWD) – the annual occasion dedicated to commemorating the movement for women’s rights – is just around the corner, and there is all the more reason to celebrate the inspirational women Manchester is home to, with events across the city!
For many, the fight for female rights was forged here in Manchester. In October 1903, the first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) was held at 62 Nelson Street – then home of political activist and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. Now known as the Pankhurst Centre; Pankhurst’s home, run by volunteers is notable in the continued fight for women’s equality today, as the headquarters of Manchester Women’s Aid and as a women’s centre.
Other Manchester buildings have played host to their fair share of support for women’s rights over the last couple centuries too. The Free Trade Hall not only saw Christabel Pankhurst and friend, Annie Kenney interrupt a Liberal Party conference to demand fairer rights for women which resulted in their arrest; but also saw the first public meeting regarding the issue of women’s rights in 1868 led by another women’s rights activist, Lydia Becker.
The remarkable women of Greater Manchester have accomplished great things in the past which changed the course of history. Whether it is battling for the vote, winning an array of gold medals in the Olympics or smashing through glass ceilings, the women of Manchester continue to do great things every day. So it’s no wonder there is plenty going on in the city to celebrate women, here are our picks of just some of forthcoming IWD events in Manchester.
The Pankhurst Trust, Manchester – Reading in the Sitting Room
Walk for Women – IWD 2020 event in Manchester
Victoria Street
12pm, Saturday 7th March
Manchester’s annual event for IWD is back again for its third year running. Building on the goodwill and support of Manchester’s women; once again celebrating with a walk through the city.
Meeting at Victoria Street, outside Manchester Cathedral, everyone will walk together to St Peter’s Square. The event is totally free and anyone can take part. You don’t have to be a woman; just a supporter of women!
Free
Suffragette City
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
2pm – late, Saturday 7th March
The return of Suffragette City. A women-led, all-day music event raising money for Greater Manchester women’s charities.
Free entry in the public bar from 2pm onwards!
Women’s Football Exhibit
National Football Museum, Urbis Building, M4 3BG
At Manchester’s National Football Museum, you can visit the first Women’s football exhibit which was established in 2005.
Tickets are available on our Sightseeing in Manchester page!
First in Fight Discussion with Helen Antrobus and Jane Bowyer
The Pankhurst Centre, 62 Nelson Street, M13 9WP
10am – 4pm, Sunday 8th of March
The Pankhurst Centre will be holding a jam-packed day of activities for IWD 2020. Join the conversation during the afternoon with the creators of First in the Fight – a book about 20 inspirational women who helped to make Manchester the radical city we know and love! From flag-making to live music from She-Choir, the Pankhurst Centre is playing host to the perfect IWD celebration.
Manchester Peace Trail Walking Tour in aid of the Pankhurst Trust
Emmeline Pankhurst Statue in St Peter’s Square
Meet 1.45pm for a 2pm start (walking tour is approx. 90 minutes), Sunday 8th March
Join a guided walking tour of Manchester’s hotspots of radical political activity, all in aid of the Pankhurst Centre! Join volunteer walk leader Steve Roman on the Manchester Peace Trail, and find out just how deeply our city is rooted in the fight for justice, peace and freedom.
Women, Resistance and Revolution – Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Anthony Burgess Foundation, M1 5BY
2pm – 6pm, Sunday 8th of March
Celebrate women past and present who have played leading roles in standing up to sexism, racism and exploitation.
Inspirational Women of Manchester Day Trip
In the spirit of IWD events in Manchester 2020, we at Manchester Sightseeing Tours thought what better way to commend Manchester’s inspirational women than to curate a day trip inspired by them. Enjoy lunch on a luxury purpose-built barge, named after the suffragette herself, Emmeline Pankhurst, a visit to novelist, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, and round off your day at the People’s History Museum; an opportunity for everyone to be inspired by and get involved with ideas worth fighting for this IWD.
Discover more and send us an enquiry.