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Hundreds set to march through Manchester city centre to mark International Women’s Day next month
The annual 'Walk for Women' is back again.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2024 Hundreds are set to march through the streets of Manchester city centre to mark International Women’s Day next month.
The annual ‘Walk for Women’ has been confirmed for a 2024 return.
After returning to the city in 2022 from a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then proving to be a massive success once again last year, Manchester City Council has confirmed that the hugely-popular ‘Walk For Women’ is back in a couple of weeks time, and it’s expected that hundreds will meet to parade through the city centre in the name of equality.
The much-loved event is a celebration of the significant economic, political, and social achievements that women have made since they first won the right to vote just over 100 years ago.
Organisers of the annual event say the walk is a brilliant opportunity to come together with family, friends, colleagues, and likeminded strangers to share a passion for equality and creating opportunities for Manchester women.
Anyone planning on attending is encouraged to creatively chant and cheer, bring instruments along with them to bang and clang, create banners and posters to convey messages of support, and even prepare to belt out and sing-along to some musical performances too.
This year’s ‘Walk for Women’ is being held the day after International Women’s Day 2024 (8 March) on Saturday 9 March from midday to 2:30pm.
As always, the event is completely free to take part in, and everyone is invited to join.
The official route will begin on Mount Street behind Manchester Central Library, and then will make its way to Albert Square, before turning onto Brazennose Street and making a right to Deansgate – with the final stop being Manchester Cathedral.
The parade’s theme this year is called ‘Inspire Inclusion’, and is said to be a nod to the countless women from across all ages and backgrounds who have made “aspirational strides”, and continue to “trail-blaze 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.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, who is the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said organisers are expecting an “even bigger and better” turnout for this year’s event.
“The walk around our amazing city is a celebratory moment for progress and women everywhere,” Cllr Midgley explained, “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.”
Read more:
- Manchester is hosting its very-own ‘Lass Fest’ to celebrate International Women’s Day
- 10 inspiring Manchester women who help make the city what it is today
- All-female lineup of DJs to play at Brickhouse Social for International Women’s Day
Find out more about this year’s ‘Walk for Women’ on the Manchester City Council website here, and see all the road closures here.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
