Marked by millions of people on March 8, International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year IWD celebrates 115 years of action with all who care about gender equality, celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and taking action to forge gender parity.
The theme for 2026 is 'Give to Gain', focused on encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration.
Every day, women across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside are driving change, supporting communities and challenging inequality. International Women’s Day gives us a powerful moment to spotlight that impact, to celebrate progress, amplify voices and recommit to meaningful action.
At Action Together, we see first-hand the strength within our communities. So many of our members are championing gender equality while delivering vital support to women locally. This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to recognise, celebrate and stand alongside that work.
Below we've compiled a snapshot of some of the support from across our communities, and some of the specific local events being held this International Women's Day 2026 too.
Support for women in Oldham
Fatima Women’s Association
Spark Oldham
Royton and Crompton Over 60's Group
Relax with Lucy & Co
Lindsey : Co-op Member Engagement
Also in Oldham, Action Together hosts the Oldham Women’s Network which brings together women’s organisations in Oldham to focus on current impacts they are seeing amongst women and girls they work with. As well as sharing information, challenges, and exploring opportunities to work together. Find out more: actiontogether.org.uk/oldham-womens-network
Support for women in Rochdale
Rochdale Connections Trust
Rochdale Women's Welfare Association
WHAG
Aspire 2 Inspire
Theatre in Flow
Kashmir Youth Project
Watering Your Soul CIC
Soul Sisters
De Butterfly CIC
Caring and Sharing
Wonderfully Made Woman
Also in Rochdale, Action Together hosts the Rochdale Women's Network along with the Women's Foundation Group. It is a space for all those interested in improving the life experiences of Rochdale women, and facilitates conversation guided by systems change and community-led action to begin the reduction of 'violence against women and girls (VAWG)' in Rochdale. Find out more: actiontogether.org.uk/rochdale-womens-network
Support for women in Tameside
Support across Greater Manchester and nationwide
Local Events and Activities for International Women's Day 2026
International Women's Day 2026 Tameside | Give to Gain
Brought together by GM Business Growth Hub, Bromleys Solicitors LLP, GM Build A Business, Action Together, and Tameside Means Business, this year's event runs with the theme - Give To Gain. Together we'll bring together women from all backgrounds who understand the importance of giving back and how it builds communities, improves lives, and creates lasting partnerships. This year's host will be Sarah Crossley, founder of Your Well-Being Company.
Date/time: Friday 6 March 2026, 9:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Tameside One Campus, Tameside College, Wellington Road, Ashton Under Lyne OL6 6BL
Royton, Shaw & Crompton celebrate International Women’s Day
Royton Town Hall will open its doors for an afternoon bringing together local services, support organisations and much more . Many women are not aware of the help available locally until they need it, and this event aims to make that support more visible and accessible. If you have any enquiries, please contact Place Team North Place.TeamNorth@oldham.gov.uk
The afternoon will include opportunities for residents and professionals:
- Speak directly with NHS professionals
- Access business support
- Attend a Menopause Q&A (4pm–5pm, limited places)
- Connect with TOG Mind
- Meet partners including GMP and Community Safety
- Take part in local wellbeing activities and Tropic Skincare taster sessions
Date/time: Thursday 5 March 2026, 2pm to 6pm (drop-in)
Location: Royton Town Hall, Rochdale Road, OL2 6QW
Watering your Soul CIC
Give to Gain Conversation and Holistic treatment taster event - connection, conversation and care. What to expect: Open and empowering #GiveToGain conversation, Free holistic therapy tasters, Light lunch and snacks, a safe space to connect and feel heard. To reserve a place, contact Lilly at: wateryoursoulcic@gmail.com
Date/time: Sunday 8 March 2026, 10:45am to 2pm
Location: Recovery Republic, Heywood
Oldham Heritage, Libraries and Arts
Join Oldham Libraries as they celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with a programme of events.
Friday 6 March 2026, 11am to 1pm
Free drop-in celebration event at Oldham Library. Local advice and support (including from ourselves) but also lots of self care activities
Monday 9 March 2026, 10:30 to 11:30am
Free Mindfulness Walk from Failsworth Library (Free but booking essential HERE)
Wednesday 11 March 2026, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
Chatty Crafts at Oldham Library (Free but booking essential HERE)
Wednesday 11 March 2026, 9am to 4:30pm
Free drop-in International Women’s Day Event at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre
Mama Health and Poverty Partnership
SAWN | Support and Action for Women’s Network
International Women’s Day celebration as part of the GM Live Well Spring Festival. There’ll be African-led businesses and creative stalls, powerful talks and lived-experience stories, Afro-soul vibes, live art and storytelling, plus wellbeing and healing spaces. A beautiful space for connection and collective care for Black and migrant women.
Date/time: Friday 13 March 2026, 10am to 3pm
Location: Oldham Leisure Centre, Middleton Road, Oldham, OL9 6AF
Oldham Greenhill Community Sports & Recreation Club
Women’s Only Eid and International Women’s Day Gathering
It’s a bring a dish celebration, so bring your favourite food to share and enjoy a lovely afternoon of laughter, good food and great company. Women only.
Date/time: Tuesday 26 March 2026, 11:30am to 2pm
Location: Havelock Street, Oldham OL8 1JR