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Listening, learning and leading change: Reflections on Reveal 2026



A landmark moment for GM4Women2028


On Friday 6th February, our community came together online for our Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard Data Reveal & Celebration 2026 – our eighth annual gathering and one of our most impactful yet.


The event was a powerful mix of evidence, experiences, creativity and collective resolve. Over two packed hours, we explored what the latest data tells us about gender equality across Greater Manchester, noted where progress has been made and, crucially, identified where urgent action is still needed.


The strength of engagement, depth of discussion and energy in the virtual room all pointed to one thing: this work matters and the momentum is growing.



About the Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard Data Reveal & Celebration


Each year, the Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard examines the lived realities of women and girls in Greater Manchester, tracking ten key indicators using national and local datasets and academic research. The Scorecard with its accompanying thematic briefs does more than measure change. It helps understand how and why inequalities persist, where progress is uneven and what must happen next.


The Reveal event is where this data comes to life. It creates space not only to share findings, but to connect numbers with experiences, ideas with action and people with one another. Attendees on Friday scrutinised findings from our five core thematic areas:



True to the spirit of the movement, the event was open to everyone – women, girls and male allies – whether working in policy, research, community organising, campaigning or simply wanting to learn and contribute.



A whistle-stop tour of the day


The event opened with a warm welcome from our Convenor Helen Pankhurst CBE, an introduction to our Trustees and Thematic Leads from our Chair Sofia Higgins, a powerful poem reading to set the emotional tone by our Trustee Nadia Ali and speech about Cllr Joanna Midgley about Greater Manchester's commitment to becoming a better place for women and girls.


Participants then moved into small breakout rooms to connect with one another before reconvening to view a short film from our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign introduced by our Safety Lead Dee Sheehan and video from Kirith Entwistle MP about the critical importance of ‘data, deeds and determination’ in our city region.


The heart of the event comprised the unveiling of the 2026 Scorecard results, including high-level insights from each Thematic Lead followed by thematic breakout sessions which combined panel discussion with collaborative working to analyse what the data means in practice and identify clear ‘asks’ for change.


Finally, the afternoon closed with a moving musical performance by Lucy Bevan, a presentation by Lucy Wilson from our main event sponsor Butterfly Data, playback from each breakout group and an introduction to our legacy project by Prof Francine Morris.



Some of the resources shared on the day


All attendees were encouraged to share the resources emerging from the event, including the full Pankhurst–Fawcett Report and Scorecard data available here, along with a filming of our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, Kirith Entwistle MP’s video recording and Lucy Bevan’s singing of ‘Lady Lady’ below:



These resources are designed to support ongoing conversations, advocacy and practical action within individuals, organisations and communities.



Stay connected with GM4Women2028


To keep up with future events, monthly community meetings and fortnightly ops and comms meetings, we invite you to sign up to our regular emails. These meetings are open, welcoming environments to contribute skills, ideas and energy – whether you’re newly involved or have been part of the movement for years.


Please join our mailing list on Mailchimp at http://eepurl.com/dPpIjr.



Keep the momentum going: Join us in July


The Reveal 2026 was not an end-point – it was a springboard. The next major opportunity to come together will be our in-person summer gathering, taking place in Rochdale on Saturday 4th July from 10.30am to 4.00pm.


This face-to-face event, called ‘Dialogue, Deeds & Determination’, will provide a safe space to deepen collaboration, shape the movement’s legacy, and turn shared priorities into tangible outcomes for women and girls. Places are limited and we encourage early booking to avoid disappointment.




Thank you for standing with us


The success of the Reveal 2026 event was made possible by the generosity, openness and commitment of everyone who attended, contributed and facilitated the day – from participants and speakers to sponsors and trustees.


Together, we’re not just tracking change – we’re helping to make it a reality. And as the conversations from 6th February continue to ripple outward, the message is clear: Greater Manchester’s journey towards gender equality is collective, determined and far from finished.



With gratitude to those who made it happen


Events like Reveal 2026 don’t come about by accident – they’re built through care and a great deal of behind-the-scenes work. We want to shine a light on a few people whose contributions made the day run so smoothly and feel so special.


A huge appreciation goes to Jennet Ingram for her wonderful ongoing coordination, to Claire-Marie Boggiano, our brilliant compere, who held the flow of the event with warmth, clarity and calm, keeping us on track throughout. We’re also deeply grateful to Chloe Best and the team at Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, whose technical expertise ensured the online platform ran seamlessly and supported both the main sessions and breakout rooms.


Recognition goes to Fernanda Tapia Birkner, who brought the Scorecard to life visually through her thoughtful and striking graphic design across the report and presentation slides. Also to Juliana Jacobowiski who created the image for the initial scorecard and has helped with the annual update ever since. Dee Sheehan, our Safety Lead, played a central role not only in shaping discussions but in championing the powerful 16 Days of Activism work, alongside Emily Bevan from MetFilm School and Therese Mahon, who created the compelling campaign film shared during the event.


We’d also like to acknowledge Lucy Bevan for her beautiful recording of a studio performance of ‘Lady Lady’ accompanied by a grand piano, which offered a poignant moment in the programme.


There are many more contributors, facilitators, speakers, volunteers and supporters who helped make the Reveal 2026 such a resounding success. It was, in every sense, a community effort – and another reminder of what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose.

 
 
 

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