International Women’s Day Manchester 2026
Every March, the conversations around International Women’s Day amplify. We see the purple banners, we hear the inspiring stories, and we rightly celebrate how far we’ve come.
But this year, I wanted to step back from the celebration for a moment and look at the foundation. Because to truly understand where we’re going, we need to remember where we started.
I’m hosting The Reciprocity Exchange on March 18th, and the entire focus is on moving IWD from a moment of reflection into a practice of action. But first, let’s talk about the ‘why.’
The Radical Roots of March 8th
International Women’s Day didn’t start as a corporate morning tea or a networking lunch. Its origins are radically grounded in protest, labour rights, and the fight for basic equality.
The very first seed was planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and the right to vote. It was gritty, essential activism. By 1910, a woman named Clara Zetkin proposed the concept of a global day of action. Her vision was simple but massive. Every year, in every country, there should be a celebration on the same day to press for our demands.
It was Clara Zetkin’s vision that built the original foundation. It was a call to collaborate on a global scale.
The Question of International Men’s Day
I often get asked, “But when is International Men’s Day?”
It’s an important question, and the answer is Yes, we absolutely do have one. It is celebrated every year on November 19th. While IWD started in the early 1900s, International Men’s Day is a newer addition, started in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh. He chose the date to honour his father’s birthday and to highlight that men’s issues, particularly mental health and positive role models, deserve their own dedicated space. We need both days. One day’s focus does not diminish the other’s value; it actually strengthens the conversation for everyone.
Why IWD Became a Global Movement
So, why has International Women’s Day become the dominant global moment?
When you look at the research, it’s not just about the date; it’s about the structure. Zetkin’s design was brilliant because it was non-prescriptive. It allowed different communities to adapt the day to their own unique struggles.
But the real secret sauce of IWD is collaboration. It is the single most visible example of collective action.
When millions of people focus on the same issue on the same day, we create an energy that is impossible to ignore. It proves the old adage, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
A Home for Reciprocity… Bonded Warehouse
For this year’s event, the “where” is just as important as the “why.” We are gathering at Department Bonded Warehouse, a place that perfectly mirrors the spirit of our exchange.
The Bonded Warehouse isn’t just a beautiful building; it’s a piece of Manchester’s industrial soul. Built in the 1860s, it was originally a hub for the storage of goods, sugar, tea, and spirits, arriving by rail and canal. It was a place of trade and transit, where the city’s economic engine hummed.
Today, it has been reimagined as a hub for a different kind of trade. The exchange of ideas, technology, and community.
I want to say a huge thank you to the team at the Bonded Warehouse for gifting us this space. When a large organisation takes the time to open its doors like this, it does more than just host an event; it signals a genuine commitment to the local community. It removes the barriers that often stop these conversations from happening.
A special mention must go to Kieran for his vision and support. He understood immediately that this wasn’t just another networking lunch. His help in bringing us together has been instrumental in making this exchange a reality. When people like Kieran use their platform to foster collaboration, the “rising tide” starts to feel very real.
Moving to the 18th of March – The Reciprocity Exchange
This brings me back to what we are doing on March 18th. IWD is March 8th, but my focus is on the 18th because the real work happens after the day itself. We are focusing on the theme of Give to Gain. I believe that confidence and self-esteem aren’t things you just ‘find’ inside yourself. They are built through action and confirmed by your community.
You can book your free seat at the table HERE.
We are skipping the long speeches and the awkward small talk. Instead, we are using structured “Reciprocity Prompts” to get the conversation started. Whether you are a CEO looking to mentor or a freelancer looking for a collaborator, we are engineering the connections that actually move the needle.
3 Reasons to Be There (Plus One)
- Genuine Support. Walk into a room where everyone is showing up with the intentional desire to give capital (social, mental, or professional) as much as they gain it.
- No Performance Required. We are designed for extroverts and quiet thinkers alike. No pitching, no awkwardness, just a guided flow of authentic connection.
- Visual Proof. Participate in the “Wall of Gain” and see the visual map of our Manchester community rising together.
And the fourth reason? The lunch is on me.
IWD started as a demand for better working conditions. This year, let’s honour that legacy by intentionally building the relationships that make our work and our lives better.
I can’t wait to see you at the Bonded Warehouse on the 18th. Let’s get the reciprocity started.
Book your free seat at the table HERE.
RESOURCES AND NEXT STEPS
If you’re looking for more support and guidance, here are some valuable resources:
- Book a conversation to see how we can help you with your 2026 plans HERE.
- COMPLETE THE RESILIENCE SCORECARD HERE and get a clear picture of which pillar needs your most attention.
- Use our Flip The Thinking Toolkit HERE and share it with people around you. See how it helps you enrich the connection and conversation.
- Follow along on LinkedIn HERE
- Find out more about our women’s leadership programme HERE