Manchester will mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 with a vibrant programme of community events, shining a spotlight on the achievements, creativity and resilience of women and girls across the city.
Funding has once again been made available for community organisations to host their own IWD events across the city through the annual IWD grants programme. With local events – including inclusive sporting activities, radio production, creative and wellbeing activities – taking place across the city from 23 February to 15 March and a central celebration event at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 7 March, there are opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to support the advancement of women.
The international theme for IWD this year is ‘Give to Gain.’ It is about emphasising the power of reciprocity and supportive collaboration.
By learning from one another, sharing resources, donating, and championing greater visibility, we create the conditions for women to feel safe and to thrive. When organisations and communities invest in these opportunities and spaces, the benefits are felt across society.
The IWD programme features workshops, performances, speeches and panel discussions, delivered in partnership with community groups, voluntary organisations, businesses and youth clubs to celebrate and recognise all women and girls. The jam-packed programme is underpinned by the Council's own theme called 'When women thrive, we all rise' to encourage community cohesion.
The IWD weekend of central events will kick off with the Business and IP Centre’s ‘Build a Business’ event, taking place at Central Library on Friday 6 March from 10am to 1:30pm. Attendees can expect bite size workshops and networking, as well as an insightful panel discussion with 10 women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds sharing about their journeys into entrepreneurship and experiences of exploring new pathways and starting businesses from the ground up. Tickets can be booked on EventBrite.
Our ‘International Women’s Day 2026: When women thrive, we all rise’ celebration event will take place at Central Library on Saturday 7 March from 11am to 4pm. The event will be an opportunity for people to build new connections across generations and backgrounds, creating allyship and of course giving back. This event is now sold out but there is a waitlist for those interested in attending.
The programme for Saturday’s event at Manchester Central Library will include:
- Storytelling; an activity for women to share their personal stories of overcoming challenges, achieving success and inspiring others,11:15am-11:45am.
- Mums Matter Wellbeing Workshop; practice some wellbeing exercises and to find out more about the Mums Matter 8-week wellbeing programme designed to support the emotional wellbeing of Manchester mums with at least one child under the age of two, 2pm-2:45pm.
- Repair, Re-use and Re-gain Workshop; A chance to find out more about sustainable fashion and waste reduction in this upcycling workshop with UAchieve21’s Moss Side Social Stitching Group. 11am-1pm.
- Fireside Chat; a 45-minute chaired by Councillor Bell, in conversation with women who are change-makers in their local communities, 12:45pm-1:30pm.
- Poetry performance from Young Identity, a Manchester-based, women-led charity supporting diverse young voices through writing, performance and creative development.1:45pm-2:45pm.
- A period product donation point; Greater Manchester charity, Every Month, will be collecting donations of unopened menstrual pads and tampons to help them in their mission to tackle period poverty across the region. 11am-4pm.
- A Drop in Menopause Cafe; a menopause meet-up will be held so people with lived experience can talk openly about menopause over tea, coffee and biscuits, 11am-1pm.
Further details about this event can be found on Eventbrite and more information about the celebration is at International Women’s Day 2026.
On Sunday 8 March, Manchester Parks are partnering with Phase Five and Pop up Bikes to host a free outdoor fitness event at Ancoats Green. The morning includes a confidence‑building Power Session for regular exercisers, followed by a supportive Beginner Session designed for those new to fitness. Attendees can also enjoy a complimentary drink and cake at Pop Up Bikes Café, with a park‑wide membership hunt offering the chance to win a month’s access to Phase Five Gym. To sign up for this activity, please email hello@phasefivemanchester.co.uk
Councillor Erinma Bell, Lead Member for Women, said: “International Women’s Day is a chance for our city to recognise the women who make Manchester what it is. This year we’re proud to once again support a programme built from the ground up – one that celebrates our communities, amplifies local stories and creates spaces where women and girls feel inspired, supported and connected.”