Sunday 8th March marks International Women’s Day 2026. 18SJS joins millions around the world in celebrating this important date in the calendar.
The 2026 IWD theme is ‘Give to Gain’. This campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. We can all give our support to gain advancement for women and girls.
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for 115 years, as have many of the issues still impacting women’s advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women’s equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity.
This year, Olivia Edwards, Jonathan Cosgrove and Vaughn John of 18SJS’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee are supporting Ashleigh Saville – Development Manager at The Pankhurst Trust (incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid)- in raising funds and awareness for victims of domestic abuse.
The Pankhurst Trust (incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid), have set up a series of events including:
MWA Yoga (5th March) – a special yoga session celebrating IWD. (Details: www.tinyurl.com/yoga4mwa)
“Steps 2 Safety” Walk for Women (6th March) – a 15km walk from Manchester City Centre to Altrincham. (Details: www.tinyurl.com/steps2safety)
Ashleigh says of the charity walk: “This International Women’s Day, I’ll be walking 15km from Manchester city centre to Altrincham to raise vital funds for Manchester Women’s Aid.”
“The distance is symbolic. In the UK, 1 woman is murdered every 5 days by a current or former partner, a devastating reality and a powerful reminder of why International Women’s Day must be a moment for action, not just reflection.”
“I’m fundraising so that donations can go directly towards frontline services that support women and families across our city.”
Ashleigh’s JustGiving page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ashleigh-saville-1?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LFCFRUK_MomentumShareWide&mi_u=49734784&mi_ecmp=LFCFRUK_MomentumShareWide
Manchester Women’s Aid supports women and families impacted by domestic abuse.
There is more information on International Women’s Day on the IWD website here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme