This year, Manchester has gone all out for International Women's Day, celebrating female achievements, experiences and everything in between. Here’s a selection of events in the city celebrating womanhood on - and around - International Women’s Day (Saturday 8 March).

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Central Library — **International Women's Day at Central Library** Image: Manchester City Council

Women’s Community Festival

8 March

Manchester Central Library

This year, Manchester City Council is partnering with women-led community organisations to honour women of all ages at Central Library. The day will be packed with a wide range of activities including meditation sessions, performances, poetry readings, and more. All will focus on the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’, which aims to support women in achieving gender equality and overcoming the barriers they face both personally and professionally.

For the full programme of events and to book tickets click here.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Pankhurst — **The Pankhurst Museum** Image: The Pankhurst Museum

International Women's Day at the Pankhurst Museum

9 March

11am – 4pm

Once home to Manchester’s iconic figurehead of female empowerment, The Pankhurst Museum will be offering free entry for the day to explore and learn more about female activism and the story of Votes for Women.

For more information and to book click here.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Mountaineer — **Bonita Norris talks about her incredible achievements** Image: Bonita Norris

Mountaineer Bonita Norris launches the ‘Elevate Series’

4 March

6pm - 8pm

Square Gardens, First street

As the first woman to climb Mount Everest and reach the North Pole, Bonita Norris shares her incredible journey to encourage other women to overcome challenges and set goals. Join her to get motivated ahead of International Women’s Day.

To book your free ticket click here.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Side Street Third Space — **Step into your Power at Side Street** Image: Side Street

Step Into Your Power

Saturday 8 March

2pm - 6pm

Side Street

Side Street has partnered with Third Place to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025. Together they are hosting an empowering panel event with 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.

The panel includes:

Eleanor Bowmer, Founder of Eleanor Bowmer home and gift brand
Natasha Fernandes Anjo, Founder of ROOP Sustainable accessory brand
Chelsie Southern, Founder of Studio Dawn self-care sanctuary
Esi Essel, Founder of Coy Biscuit vegan iced biscuit company

Tickets are £14.50 and include a welcome cocktail or mocktail, a panel talk, Q&A session, treats from Coy Biscuit and a goody bag.

To book tickets to the event, click here.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Media City — **Rachel Burden will chair a panel at Media City** Image: Media City

Seminar with BBC Presenter Rachel Burden for women in media

Wednesday 5 March

12pm - 2pm

Content Studio, Media City

BBC presenter Rachel Burden chairs a panel of brilliant women working in the media for an afternoon of lunch, networking and inspiration.

Free tickets can be reserved here.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Yoga Social — **Yoga Social Club at Halle St Peter's** Image: Yoga Social Club

Yoga Social Club

Fri 7 March

Halle St Peter’s, Ancoats

Join the Yoga Social Club in their mission to bring together like-minded women through an empowering and energizing class of yoga. The two-hour session has promised a strictly ‘girly’ soundtrack, blending relaxation with classic hits from Beyonce and Celine Dion, all performed by the Manchester String Quartet. If you’re fancying some peaceful me time or you feel like connecting to other women, this event is suited for all.

For more information and to book a place click here.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Refuge — **International Women's Day at Refuge** Image: Refuge

Refuge IWD celebrations and Makers Market

Saturday 8 March

Makers Market 12pm - 5pm

All day part 12pm till late

Refuge is hosting an all-day celebration honouring the incredible women powering Manchester. From midday to midnight, there’ll be a women-led DJ lineup featuring Laura Weaver, Nicola Bear, Una Lee and SEZBENNY.

Between 12pm and 5pm, Refuge's indoor street area will transform into a Makers Market, showcasing local women-owned brands including the gender-neutral fashion label FKA Clothing, luxury accessories brand Beaches & Cream and premium bamboo pyjama makers PLUSH.

Free entry, no booking required.

2025 02 27 Whats On Mcr Iwd Printworks — **A UK-first at The Printworks** Image: The Printworks

Digital Art Installation at The Printworks

Sat 8 March

12pm - 4pm

The Printworks is marking the day with a UK-first digital art installation - spanning a 115m display - bringing the stories of local women to life. Created by artist Laura Frances Heitzman, the event will showcase portraits of inspiring everyday women set against the familiar background of Manchester.

There will also be a makers’ market featuring women-owned businesses, tarot readings and live DJs.

For more information click here.

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