'Highly Commended' at The University of Manchester's Making A Difference Awards 2024

We're proud to share that GM4Women2028 has been given 'Highly Commended' status in the 'Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' category at The University of Manchester’s Making a Difference Awards 2024.

With more than 120 entries received, the awards celebrate projects that are shaping positive change locally, nationally and globally. To be recognised in this way is a huge honour, especially in a field of such inspiring initiatives.

Dialogue, Deeds and Determination events

Our commendation recognises the impact of our Dialogue, Deeds and Determination (DDD) event project, led by Professor Jackie Carter, Helen Pankhurst and Eve Holt, supported by the GM4Women2028 community.

The project has worked to diversify and strengthen the voices of women and girls across Greater Manchester, amplifying them in dialogue with policy-makers, politicians and the public. At its core, the DDD project is about accountability and action: making sure elected representatives listen and ensuring gender equality remains high on the regional agenda.

Between July 2022 and July 2023, the project delivered:

• 20 dialogue workshops across four events in Manchester, Wigan, Trafford and Oldham.

• Engagement with 200 participants from across our communities.

• Growth in the GM4Women2028 network by over 220 new members.

• Today, more than 500 individuals, policy-makers, politicians and organisations are connected through GM4Women2028 – all working together to drive change.

A collective achievement

This recognition is not just for GM4Women2028, but for every woman, girl, ally and organisation who has joined us on this journey. Your contributions – through conversations, campaigns, research and community action – have made the DDD project a reality.

Being 'Highly Commended' is a reminder of the power of partnership. Together, we are creating the civic engagement and accountability mechanisms that Greater Manchester needs to tackle gender inequality head-on.

Looking ahead

As we enter the final years of our 10-year mission, this commendation strengthens our resolve to keep pushing for lasting, systemic change. We’ll continue building stronger links between communities and powerholders, ensuring that women’s and girls’ voices are not only heard but acted upon.

A heartfelt thank you to The University of Manchester for this accolade, and to everyone who has been part of this journey so far.