Submitted by charly.peters_12674 on
International Women’s Day is an annual event celebrated on 8 March, and 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 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion, encouraging us all to consider how we can make the world inclusive to all women.
At Action Together, we believe in the strength and impact of our communities. Across Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside, our members are doing fantastic work to support women, and we want to celebrate this. Here are just some examples of the incredible resources available in our communities:
Oldham
The Oldham Women’s Network is made up of groups who offer a range of support and services for women, including skills development, access to clothing, children’s activities, multi-lingual therapy, friendship and connection, English classes, and fitness classes. More information, as well as a directory of groups, can be found here - Oldham VCFSE Women’s Network | Action Together
GM South Asian Women’s Out of Hours Support has a helpline for South Asian women who are feeling isolated or suffering from domestic abuse, forced marriage, poor mental health, and would like to improve their mental health and wellbeing - Greater Manchester South Asian Women's Out of Hours Support » Women's voices must be heard! (gmsaw.co.uk)
Rochdale
Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association are celebrating 40 years of supporting women and girls this week, and offer English classes, a girls’ club, a safe space warm hub, and counselling, amongst other services, with a particular focus on women from BME backgrounds - Home - Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association (rwwa.org.uk)
The Touchstone Tapes podcast have featured some amazing Rochdale women, including our very own Nichelle Cutler, in their International Women’s Day episode - 7. Women in Rochdale - The Touchstones Tapes | Podcast on Spotify
Your Trust at Rochdale Leisure Centre are running an event on Friday 8 March 9am-3pm to celebrate the day, socialise and have fun with fitness. No booking is required for activities and it is open to all including non-members - International Women's Day at Rochdale Leisure Centre - Your Trust (yourtrustrochdale.co.uk)
Wonderfully Made Woman in Middleton (Wonderfully Made Woman – Lighthouse Project), Flourishing Vines in Middleton, and Knit and Natter at Heywood Library (Knit and Natter and Crochet Chatter Group - Heywood Library | Rochdale Borough Council) all operate around school hours and welcome young children along with their mums.
De Butterfly offer services such as counselling, community activities, and mentoring for BAME women - Home | De Butterfly CIC
Tameside
The Water Adventure Centre (WAC) runs weekly sessions on Mondays for girls and young women, with female youth workers and the opportunity for participants to decide what activities they would like their funding to be spent on - Water Adventure Centre (WAC) - Young Women's Evening
Holy Trinity Community Centre offer ESOL classes for women with little or no English who may be unable to access formal education - ESOL Classes : Holy Trinity Church & Community Centre, St Peter's Ward, Ashton-under-Lyne (htccc.org)
Diversity Matters North West offer multiple services for ethnic minority women such as mentoring and employment skills training, with the option to choose to work with female members of staff - Projects – Diversity Matters NW
Lindley Educational Trust runs weekly meetings and activities as well as day activities and residential trips for girls and young women, with female youth workers acting as role models - Lindley Educational Trust