The beloved annual Walk for Women is set to make its return to Manchester’s bustling streets in honour of International Women’s Day, celebrating strong and inspirational women.
This event, steeped in a rich history of promoting women’s rights for Mancunians, will see hundreds of women, alongside their families, friends, and community members, gather in the city centre. Together, they will showcase their steadfast support for women’s equality, from commemorating the remarkable achievements of trailblazing women globally to advocating for further advancements in women’s rights.
Those in attendance are encouraged to creatively chant and cheer, bringing along with them boisterous and safe instruments to bang and clang to the beat of their drums. As well as preparing to belt out and sing along to musical performances. Participants are also prompted to create banners and posters to convey messages of support for why they are celebrating the women in their lives or the world over on this special day.
Held the day after the world marks IWD (8th March), this year’s theme is called ‘Inspire Inclusion’ which is a nod to countless women from all backgrounds and across all ages who have made aspirational strides and continue to trailblaze through barriers in areas such as galvanising women’s economic empowerment, forging access for women and girls to have quality education and training and promoting creative and artistic talent.
The Walk for Women is a chance to hail this fearless fighting spirit that a diverse and vibrant city like Manchester continues to thrive on.
The official route will begin on Mount Street behind Central Library (by the John Cassidy ‘Ardrift’ statue) and then will makes it way to Albert Square before turning onto Brazennose Street and making a right to Deansgate. The final stop will be at Manchester Cathedral.
Walk for Women 2024 will be on Saturday 9 March from 12:00-2:30pm and is free to attend.
To officially register attendance, online registration can be completed beforehand.
For more information about the walk and road closures can be found here.
“I cannot wait to welcome International Women’s Day celebrations back to Manchester for another year. IWD is always a significant occasion for women and the walk gives us the opportunity to celebrate women and their achievements.
“We will celebrate Manchester’s history of fighting for women’s rights, which reminds us of the brave strides that have been made to advance women’s equality and will continue to resonate for generations to come.”
Councillor Becky Chambers, the Council’s Lead Member for Women
“After welcoming back the Walk for Women only last year, we anticipate this year to be an even bigger and better turn out of advocates for women’s equality.
“The walk around our amazing city is a celebratory moment for progress and women everywhere, but it’s also a vivid reminder of the continuing work that needs to be done to challenge negative attitudes and obstacles surrounding women and girls. The support on this day is a pivotal reflection of all that has been done and all that is to come for women’s equality.”
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council
Share your picture-worthy moments at the walk with #WalkForWomen #IWDMCR #IWD2024
