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 bin will be set up at Arndale House reception (opposite Bodycare 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 weekend. 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.
