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.
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A huge ‘Walk For Women’ will parade through Manchester city centre next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
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.
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As always, the event is completely free to take part in, and everyone is invited to join.
Hundreds will meet to parade through the city centre in the name of equality / Credit: Manchester City Centre
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.
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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.
Those keen to attend can register their interest for the parade now / Credit: Manchester City Council
“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.”
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
News
Police appeal launched as woman dies after being hit by lorry in Bury
Daisy Jackson
A woman has tragically died after being hit by a lorry in Bury yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.45pm on Tuesday 6 October, emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Radcliffe.
The collision was between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West.
Tragically, the pedestrian – a woman in her 50s – passed away at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A large cordon was in place yesterday and road has remained closed this morning.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for information.
They said: “At around 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 October 2026) we were called to reports of a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West, Radcliffe.
“Emergency services attended but sadly the pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, passed away at the scene.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information including CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2299 of 06.10.26. Reports can also be made via our website of the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
New measures announced to tackle ‘rogue’ landlords across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A cohort of trained enforcement officers are set to hit the streets in all 10 boroughs to help improve the lives of the region’s renters.
Forming part of Greater Manchester‘s commitment to the highest-quality housing standards alongside the Good Landlord Charter, the newly trained enforcement officers will be tasked with protecting tenants, joining Council teams in checking rental properties, bringing enforcement action against bad landlords, and cracking down on illegal practices.
The introduction of the new enforcement officers comes after what has been ‘years of sustained pressure’ on local budgets.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says it is working with the 10 councils across the region to strengthen local teams, rebuild in-house skills and expertise, and ensure that powers can be applied with consistency in all boroughs.
As mentioned, this all forms part of the Good Landlord Charter – which is GMCA’s ‘bold approach’ to drive up standards for renters across the region.
Landlords of more than half of rented properties in Greater Manchester have now signed up as supporters of the Charter, and as supporters, they have committed to going above and beyond legal minimums to improve the renting experience for hundreds of thousands of people.
“A safe place to call home is the cornerstone of a happy, healthy life,” explained Mayor Bev Craig. “But for years, people have felt trapped in poor-quality housing, and cash-strapped councils were unable to step in to help. I’m putting an end to that.
“We know there are plenty of good landlords in Greater Manchester, and many of them have already signed up to our Good Landlord Charter, but too many are just not good enough.
“That’s why we’re deploying a new generation of expert housing officers onto the streets of our towns and cities.”
Mayor Bev Craig declared that she ‘won’t stand by and let rogue landlords take advantage of people’.
She continued: “By empowering renters, working with responsible landlords, and using our powers to crack down on the bad ones, I will make sure everyone in Greater Manchester has the foundation for a good life.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2024 
