Over a century ago, from an understated family home in Manchester, the Women’s Social and Political Union was born. Lead by Emmeline Pankhurst, from Moss Side, the Suffragettes went on to change the future of women’s rights all over the world. Now in 2025, pioneering women continue to propel the city forward.
Here are the best ways to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 in Manchester…
Supporting The Supporters: International Women’s Day Exhibition at Waterside
The Waterside in Sale present a free exhibition showcasing artwork, images, films and poems in celebration of International Women’s Day. Following this year’s theme of Accelerate Action, the Gallery ’74 showcase aims to shine a light on some of the empowering activities of individuals and organisations within our borough and the wider Greater Manchester community.
Bad Gal Film Festival at Ducie Street Warehouse
This International Women’s Day, Ducie Street Warehouse team up with Bad Gal Film Club to present the Bad Gal Film Festival, a month-long celebration of women in film at the Mini Cini. Taking place every Sunday in March, the festival will showcase a carefully curated line-up of films, from indie gems to iconic classics, alongside interactive workshops, discussions and special guest appearances.
A key highlight of the festival includes an exclusive In Conversation session with film critic and broadcaster Ellen E. Jones, exploring the role of women in cinema. There will also be a collage workshop and social inspired by female storytelling in film.
The festival programme features acclaimed films such as Shiva Baby (2020), Matilda (1996), Thelma & Louise (1991), Run Lola Run (1998), All About My Mother (1999) and Hidden Figures (2016), among others.
International Women’s Day at Stray
To mark International Women’s Day, Stray will host an evening that brings together some of the leading figures in Manchester hospitality. Featured on the exclusive menu, and showcased in the female founded venue, will be women from Hawksmoor, SCHOFIELD’S, Osma and more.
A martini menu created by female bartenders from across the city will be served up by the Stray team. In addition, Danielle Heron, Chef Patron of Osma, will be on the bar serving up a delicious menu of snacks to accompany the martini list. The night will be soundtracked by renowned Manchester DJ Mix-Stress.
International Women’s Day at Sexy Fish
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Sexy Fish. The Spinningfields spot will mark the global event on Wednesday 5 March with a networking lunch and Champagne reception. Guests will be invited to join in an insightful panel led by journalist Rebecca Cope.
She will be speaking alongside four inspirational leaders and founders across the media, wellness and fashion industries – Honour Wainwright (marketing director at Boodles), Katherine Barlow (founder of clothing brand Ru & Rocka), Venetia Archer (founder of Ruuby) and Sheena Bhattessa (founder of Citizen Femme). The open conversation will focus on the panellists’ journey of entrepreneurship, lessons in leadership, as well as marketing in the digital age.
Guests will be treated to an informal networking lunch and Champagne reception.
International Women’s Day with Yoga Social Club at Hallé St Peters
Returning after a sell out event last year, Yoga Social Club invite women to celebrate female empowerment at Hallé St Peters. The live and immersive yoga event will celebrate women, all to a perfect soundtrack of serene music from a live string quartet inside the stunning Ancoats venue.
The exclusive yoga event promises to be an unforgettable evening of inspiration, networking, and empowerment. Playing female only music from across the decades, the two hour session will give all who attend the chance to relax and celebrate with friends, both old and new.
IWD: Manchester City X Buy Women Built at Diecast
Manchester City have teamed up with Buy Women Built, a platform that champions female founded businesses, to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day. Inspiring women to achieve their potential both on and off the pitch, the event will give young people the opportunity to take part in empowering workshops, meet female founders from well-known brands and hear from Manchester City Women’s legends.
International Women’s Day at The Drop
Celebrate International Women’s Day with The Drop, as women get 25% off their food bill on all tables booked before 5pm. Make sure you quote 25IWD in booking notes, applies to bookings on Saturday 8 March 2025.
IWD 2025: Accelerate Action at Manchester Central Library
Manchester marks International Women’s Day with a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Central Library on Saturday 8 March. This years theme is Accelerate Action, calling supporters of gender equality to act against systemic barriers women from all backgrounds face in their personal and professional environments.
There won’t be an official Walk For Women this year, but Manchester City Council has joined forces with a range of women-led community organisations for a programme of events. These include mindfulness workshops, crafting sessions, poetry performances, exercise classes, DJ sets and loads more.
Embrace Retreat Day at Embrace Studios
Join Embrace Studio for a special retreat celebrating International Women’s Day. Enjoy a day of self care, connection and empowerment filled with movement, mindfulness and meaningful conversations. The day will include a 45-minute pilates class, build your own acai bowl workshop, women’s health and body talk and a guided breathwork session. Guests will also receive a goodie bag featuring Elemis and more.
International Women’s Day Market at The Refuge
Join The Refuge as they mark International Women’s Day with an all-day celebration filled with feel good vibes, showcasing some of the finest female powerhouses in the city. From local DJs to Manchester-based female brands, head down from midday to browse pop-ups from Beaches and Cream, FKA Clothing, PLUSH and loads more.
Third Place X Side Street Studio for International Women’s Day 2025
Side Street has announced a partnership with Third Place to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event will include an empowering panel bringing together inspirational Manchester women who have turned their dreams into reality.
The panel discussion will feature accomplished female entrepreneurs sharing their journeys, insights, and advice on building confidence, overcoming challenges, and achieving success. Attendees will enjoy a welcome Aperol Spritz or Hug-no Spritz, a panel talk, a Q&A session, networking opportunities, sweet treats from Coy Biscuit, and a goody bag to take home.
Hidden in Print: Victorian Women in the Portico Collection
Join the team the historic Portico Library to celebrate International Women’s Day. The Portico has first editions of many well-known female writers of the nineteenth century, including Elizabeth Gaskell and George Eliot, but it also has work by female art historians, the work of women artists amongst its pages, translators, historians and loads more besides. Join creative producer and cultural historian Dr Debbie Challis who will guide guests through the varied lives of these inspiring women.
IWD Digital Showcase at The Printworks
This International Women’s Day, Printworks present a huge digital art installation celebrating Manchester’s women. Created by Laura Frances Heitzman, this breathtaking showcase spotlights inspiring local women against iconic city backdrops on the largest digital ceiling in Europe.
Visitors can also browse stalls at an exclusive makers market featuring female-led businesses, including Stardust Bakery, Koala Nala and Root 2 Ginger, plus tunes from DJ Sez Benny and tarot readings by Solar Sister.
IWD Workshop with Victoria Rose Florals at Henry C
Join Victoria Rose Florals in crafting your own beautiful floral vase arrangement this International Women’s Day. Taking place at neighbourhood cocktail spot Henry C in Chorlton, celebrate flowers and feminism in a creative workshop using the best sustainable, British-grown blooms and foliage. Enjoy a tipple and meet like-minded people.
Walk and Talk at John Leigh Park
Everyone is welcome to Walk and Talk with @iamrunneruk this International Women’s Day. Join the team on Saturday 8 March for a slow walk through John Leigh Park and into the heart of Altrincham, enjoying the first signs of spring. The hour-long stroll will finish at Rise and Grind Coffee for a brew, coffee or breakfast.
Suffragette City 2025 at YES
Suffragette City returns for 2025 with their biggest line-up yet, bringing together the finest female and non-binary DJ talent to raise funds for local grassroots charities. This time, they’re at YES for four floors of great music, with sets from local icons like Kath McDermott, Afrodeutsche, Abigail Ward, Ladybeige, BB and Veba. The not-for-profit event has raised over £32k since its first edition in 2018, supporting vulnerable women and gender minorities.
International Women’s Day at The Pankhurst Centre
The Pankhurst Museum in Manchester is throwing open its doors to mark International Women’s Day. The special free open day will take place on Sunday 9 March, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the birthplace of the suffragette movement as the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
