We’ve just about come down from the excitement of our annual (and first online!) scorecard reveal and celebration, so we thought we’d share some reflections on the day.
Let’s start by acknowledging that this event had the potential to be a little…well, depressing. We couldn’t meet in person, of course. And the event centred, as always, on progress towards gender equality in Greater Manchester – after a year when that progress has stalled on many fronts, and perhaps even started to go backwards in some. And as so often happens when women get together to share their experiences, we heard some dark and infuriating things: no-one at the event will forget Cllr Laura Edwards’ account of the sexual harassment she has encountered as a young woman in politics.
But overall, we were delighted to discover, the day turned out to overflow with energy and joy. From the opening song from soprano Dr Kerry Firth to the final hour of celebration, MC-ed by the thoroughly fabulous Carol-Ann Whitehead, we were moved, motivated and inspired.
Our theme was data, deeds and determination: and although the data may have showed us how far we have to go, we all left with the determination we need for the deeds ahead. Visit our priorities and Covid-19 pages to find out what needs to be done – and how to get involved.
