Hundreds of women will march through the centre of Manchester to mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 6 March.
The march will bring together women and their allies from across Greater Manchester, with those taking part banging and clanging their way through town in the name of equality.
It will progress through the city in a celebration of the huge economic, political and social achievements women have made since first winning the right to vote just over 100 years ago.
It will also serve as a reminder that parity between the sexes has not yet been achieved and there is still more work to be done to reach true equality.
Image: Supplied
There will be women-led chants and singing, with participants encouraged to bring along instruments to make some noise as they go.
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The walk will start at 12.30pm on Liverpool Road outside the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park, before progressing down Deansgate towards Manchester Cathedral where it will end.
Whilst the suffrage movement was nationalised in London, it first began in Manchester in 1903 when Moss Side local Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) with the motto ‘Deeds not words’.
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To that end, it seems only fitting that after a two-year hiatus hundreds of women and their supporters will be able to demonstrate their support for IWD as they proudly walk through the city.
“Whether you’re a lone ranger or part of a group, we’d love to see you walking with us- we cannot wait to rise, roar and represent women.”
Councillor Becky Chambers, Lead Elected Member for Women, added: “International Women’s Day is an important date marking the economic, political and social achievements of women.
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“However, as we all know there is still inequality and women have not reached parity just yet. When we celebrate the wonderful women who have fought for us, we should also be conscious of the steps we need to take in the future to aid women and future generations.”
Large groups, businesses and organisations are encouraged to get involved and register for an official place in the Walk for Women. As part of Our Year, young women will be encouraged and supported to attend this.
For more information about the Walk for Women, to register a group to take part in the official parade or to learn more about other events taking place visit the council website here.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Georgina Pellant -
28th February 2022 
