GM4Women2028 invites Greater Manchester to Feb 6 gender equality data reveal

GM4Women2028 is inviting people across Greater Manchester including Oldham to meet online for Reveal: Data, Deeds & Determination – the organisation’s 8th annual Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard Data Reveal & Celebration.

The free, two-hour event marks the launch of the 2026 Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard, GM4Women2028’s flagship research project tracking progress on gender equality for women and girls throughout Greater Manchester. It is being held on Friday, February 6, from 12–2pm.

GM4Women2028 emerged in 2018 following a public challenge to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to consider what the city was truly like for women and girls.  

In response to his “challenge accepted”, the initiative brought together a growing network of people committed to understanding and improving women’s lives.  

Since then, the Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard has become a central tool for tracking whether ambition is translating into real change. 

Held online and open to all, the event will explore what the latest data reveals about life for women and girls in Manchester’s ten boroughs today - where progress is being made - where inequalities persist and what collective action is needed next.  

Drawing on trusted data sources, the Scorecard provides a longitudinal picture of change over time, shining a light on both advances and setbacks in key areas of gender equality while highlighting data-gathering challenges and differences between regions in Greater Manchester. 

At the heart of the event is the belief that data is not simply about measurement, but about accountability, learning, and action.  

The Scorecard Data Reveal & Celebration brings the findings to life by creating space for reflection, discussion and shared determination among communities, businesses and decision-makers working towards a more equal, fairer and safer Greater Manchester by 2028 – the culmination of GM4Women2028’s ten-year campaign marking 100 years since equal franchise. 

With just three more annual Scorecards remaining before 2028, the event comes at a pivotal moment.  

Time is of the essence if Greater Manchester is to see meaningful and sustained improvements and the 2026 findings will help shape priorities for the crucial years ahead. 

The two-hour programme will include the full unveiling of the 2026 Scorecard findings and interactive breakout discussions aligned to GM4Women2028’s five core thematic areas: employment, safety, participation, education, and culture and active lives.  

Attendees will be able to join the theme most relevant to their work, experience or interests, contributing to open conversations that centre lived experience, evidence and practical solutions.  

The event will also feature contributions from elected representatives and creative performances, offering moments of reflection alongside analysis. 

As well as examining the data, the event will celebrate the importance of networks, relationships and collective care.  

In a context where progress can be uneven or slower than hoped, moments like this provide a chance to strengthen connections, recognise shared effort and renew commitment.  

By bringing together women, girls and male allies, community leaders, policymakers, researchers, students and activists, GM4Women2028 aims to build momentum across the city region. 

The Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard is named in honour of two pivotal figures in Manchester’s feminist history – Emmeline Pankhurst and Millicent Fawcett – and reflects their shared legacy of courage, evidence-led campaigning and collective action.  

Each year, the Scorecard and its launch event reaffirm the importance of using data as a tool to inform decisions, challenge inequality and inspire change. 

Helen Pankhurst CBE, Convenor of GM4Women2028, said: “The Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard reminds us that gender equality doesn’t happen coincidentally – it happens when we pay attention, ask hard questions and act together.  

“As we approach our final years before 2028, this data is more critical than ever. This event is an opportunity for Greater Manchester’s people to engage with the evidence, understand what it tells us about women’s lives and shape what comes next.  

“I hope individuals from all walks of life will take part in February to heighten our commitment to equality by 2028.” 

The event is free to attend with registration via Eventbrite, and everyone with an interest in gender equality is encouraged to take part.  

Further details and booking information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gm4women2028-pankhurst-fawcett-scorecard-data-reveal-celebration-2026-tickets-1786921382959?aff=oddtdtcreator.