Saturday 8th March marks International Women’s Day 2025 – a global movement dedicated to championing equality, inclusivity and celebrating the incredible women in our lives.
This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calls for swift and decisive steps toward gender equality. According to the IWD website, at the current rate of progress, it could take until 2158 (five generations from now!) to reach full gender parity. But together, we can speed up change.
How we’re making a difference – and how you can too!
In the spirit of Accelerate Action, Manchester Arndale is making it easy for everyone to contribute. A donation point can be found at the information desk (opposite The Body Shop on the lower mall) where customers, visitors and staff can donate women’s work uniforms.
These donations will support local charities Real Change MCR and MASH, helping women access the clothing they need to secure job opportunities and build brighter futures.
Can you help? Donations will be accepted all week. Make a difference by donating these items:
Blouses & Shirts – Smart, professional tops suitable for office or customer-facing roles.
Trousers & Skirts – Formal or smart-casual options in good condition.
Blazers & Jackets – Professional outerwear to complete work outfits.
Dresses – Office-appropriate styles suitable for interviews and workplaces.
Flat or Low-Heeled Shoes – Comfortable and practical footwear for work.
Handbags & Totes – Professional bags suitable for carrying essentials.
Coats – Smart, warm outerwear for commuting.
More about MASH and our partnership with Real Change MCR
At Manchester Arndale, we’re committed to making a difference in our local community. That’s why we’ve been working in partnership with Real Change MCR, a charity dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping in Manchester. Through this partnership, we’re also proud to support MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) – a vital charity standing by women involved in sex work or facing challenges such as homelessness and gender-based violence.
MASH offers non-judgemental support, helping women improve their health, safety and well-being through outreach services, a dedicated drop-in centre and the MASH van, which reaches women directly in the community. Their work ensures that women who are often pushed to the margins have access to the resources, guidance and care they need.
Colette’s Story
For Colette, MASH has been a lifeline. As long-time service user, she has been with the charity since the beginning, relying on its support to help turn the page to a new chapter in her life.
Bravely, Colette has shared her story ahead of IWD to help educate our retailers and local businesses about breaking down prejudices. She has a history of sex work, drug use and a difficult past shaped by childhood struggles and personal hardships. But through MASH, she found encouragement and support to realise her full potential. She recalls how the charity didn’t just help her but also supported many of her friends, some of whom have since gained qualifications and university degrees, empowering them with new opportunities.
Her journey took an incredible turn when she boldly sought a job at Manchester Arndale. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, she approached the Centre Director directly and asked for one. She later followed up with an email, secured an interview and spoke openly about what she wanted from the role. Now, she works for the Housekeeping team in Arndale House office tower, taking pride in caring for office spaces and being part of the team here.
Colette’s journey also required courage. During the onboarding process, she disclosed previous convictions, a moment that could have been daunting. But she was met with “zero judgement”, something she describes as a powerful reminder that people can see beyond a person’s past.
Her impact doesn’t stop there. Colette has paved the way for others by becoming the first person with lived experience to join the MASH Board of Trustees. Thanks to her, the board has committed to always having someone with lived experience involved in decision-making, ensuring the voices of those MASH supports are heard at every level.
After nine years with MASH, Colette has an important message for us all:
“It’s easy to make a snap judgement – try and scratch deeper.”
Join Us in Celebrating Women Like Colette
Colette’s story is a testament to resilience, courage and the power of support. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate her journey and the work of organisations like MASH and Sue’s Space, which empower women to rewrite their stories.
By donating workwear, supporting these charities and challenging snap judgements, we can all play a part in accelerating action towards a more inclusive and supportive world.
