International Women’s Day: Friday 8 March

International Women’s Day (Friday March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911. It is a great opportunity to celebrate amazing women and their achievements, to make sure that girls and young women have inspirational role models to look up to and know they can do anything they want.

The campaign theme for 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.

“When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”

To mark the day we asked our staff to write a few sentences to an important woman in their lives and we wanted to share them here with you:

Andy from our Communtiy Engagement Team wanted to write something to his partner:

“My partner Maud is a constant source of energy and support for me and our son. Maud relocated from France to start a new life with me 15 years ago and the courage, openness and strength she has shown in that time has been a constant inspiration.

It wasn’t initially easy for Maud once she moved to Manchester, she had to adapt to a new working and social culture and forge new friendships whilst learning to live away from her family and friends. She has flourished as her positive energy and intelligence attracts people to her wherever she is. I’m aware of the mental load Maud carries when it comes to our shared home and parenting but she educates me every day with the standards she sets for herself and those around her. She even allows me to feel like I’m contributing more than I probably am when it comes to our shared responsibilities!”  

Natalie from our Board of Trustees wanted to share a message for her friend Leti:

“Thank you for showing me that yoga is for everyBODY and that being a soft woman is our real strength.”

Sharon, our Children and Young People’s Services Manager, shares a tribute to her gran:

“My gran was a true inspiration! I lived with her for a short while growing up, she did a lot for people, but for her, family came first. She taught me to be kind always, but don’t be afraid to put your boundaries in place. She stood up for what was right, even if that meant standing alone.”

Beth, our Mental Health Link Worker, wanted to celebrate Ellie Middleton, a proud and outspoken ADHD and autism advocate:

“Ellie – your courage in speaking out so loudly about the lost generations of neurodivergent women inspired me to recognise and advocate for my own neurodivergence, and you are one of the few people I have seen trying to speak out about the national medication shortage for people with ADHD. You are creating a more accessible and supportive world for people discovering their neurodivergence later in life, and you are a pioneer in advocating for the inclusion of women in people’s perceptions of ADHD and autism. I admire the work you are doing and the person you are – your posts and videos inspire me every day, and allow me to feel more comfortable living authentically and appreciating the ways I am different. Thank you for everything you do!”

Find out more about how we support women, including information and courses for menopause and new mums.