Celebrating International Women’s Day

Across our diocese , communities have marked International Women’s Day, which took place on Sunday 8th March, by looking back at the ground‑breaking contributions of women in our shared history, celebrating the ministry of women clergy, lay leaders and volunteers today, and considering how we continue to support women in every aspect of diocesan life.

At Manchester Cathedral, the ‘Shakers, Rule Breakers and History Makers’ event explored the stories of women of the Cathedral, uncovering often‑untold histories through archival materials and reflecting on artwork created by women that enriches the Cathedral’s life and worship. The discussions continued on Monday in the Cathedral Library, where Dr Faith van Horne led a thoughtful conversation on aspects of feminist theology.

Parishes also embraced the opportunity to honour women’s leadership in our communities. Ascension Hulme hosted a ‘Trailblazers! Women of Greater Manchester’ event, celebrating influential women of our region. Meanwhile, Christ Church Healey and St Ann’s Church Belfield gathered with neighbouring Methodist, United Reformed Church and Roman Catholic congregations for an ecumenical service centred on prayer that offered an expression of unity and gratitude for women around the world.

Listeners across the country have been tuning in to a special week of BBC Daily Service broadcasts, each led by women clergy from our diocese and enriched by the voices of Bolton Parish Church Choir, Bolton Junior Choir and the Sing My Soul Choral Scholars. The schedule is as follows:

• Monday – Sing to the Lord with Revd Hannah Lane
• Tuesday – Joyful Songs with Archdeacon Rachel Mann
• Wednesday – Give Praise to the Lord with Canon Grace Thomas
• Thursday – My Soul Glorifies the Lord with Revd Hannah Currin
• Friday – The Power of Music led by the Sing My Soul Choral Scholars, reflecting on their experience of community, creativity and worship through our collaboration with St Martin‑in‑the‑Fields.

If you missed any of this series, you can listen back via BBC Sounds.

Reflecting on the importance of International Women’s Day, the Revd Jenni Beaumont, Bishop’s Advisory for Women’s Ministry said:

“International Women’s Day (IWD) calls us to pause and recognise the faith, courage and persistence of women who hold so much of our common life together, often at real cost to themselves. Across our churches, schools, communities and workplaces, women carry responsibilities that shape the texture of daily life for all of us and are essential to our shared flourishing.

“I’m also mindful that many women still encounter casual sexism, dismissive comments or the familiar refrain about ‘International Men’s Day’ (which is 19 November, for the record), whether in parish ministry or in wider society. IWD is a moment to acknowledge that representation is not the same as parity and visibility is not the same as being valued. Naming these realities matters because it keeps us honest about the difference between being present and being in communion, and about the work still needed to close that gap.

“I remain deeply grateful for every woman who continues to shape our shared life with wisdom, resilience and grace, even as the work of making that shared life real for all of us remains unfinished.“