This International Women’s Day, we — Rose and Sophie from Soroptimist International Manchester — are walking 15km from Manchester city centre to Altrincham to raise vital funds for Manchester Women’s Aid.

The distance of 15km was chosen to reflect the 1 woman killed by an abusive partner or ex every 5 days, a statistic that reminds us of all just how important literal life-saving services like Manchester Women’s Aid are. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that International Women’s Day must inspire action, not just reflection. For too many women, the journey to safety is long, frightening, and full of barriers. Our walk represents the steps a woman must take to escape abuse — steps towards safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild her life.

SI Manchester has supported Manchester Women’s Aid for many years, and we know how transformative their work is. The funds raised will go directly to frontline services that provide:

- Safe refuge accommodation

- Drop‑in spaces where women can breathe, be heard, and be supported

- Outreach workers who meet women where they are

- Practical essentials for families arriving with nothing

- Emotional support that helps women rebuild confidence, independence, and hope

These services save lives. They give women and children the chance to start again. And they rely on the generosity of people who believe that every woman deserves to live free from fear.

This International Women’s Day, we’re choosing to stand with women in our city who are taking their first steps away from abuse.

Your donation — whatever the amount — will help ensure that when a woman reaches out for help, someone is there to take her hand.

Thank you so much for your support and your belief in a safer future for women and girls in Manchester.

To find out more about the walk or sign up yourself please click here: https://www.manchesterwomensaid.org/steps-to-safety-international-womens-day-fundraiser-walk

Find out more about Soroptimist International here:

https://sigbi.org/manchester/