Data, Deeds & Determination: Voices from the 2026 Scorecard Reveal event

On Friday 6th February, we gathered online for our 8th annual Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard Data Reveal & Celebration – two powerful hours dedicated to evidence, accountability and collective action for gender equality across Greater Manchester.

Some of the 90 people present in the virtual room

Once again, it was your voices that made it matter.

Here’s what some of you shared afterwards about the best parts from the event:

“A special two hours.”

“The passion and continued commitment from the organisers.”

“Understanding the data and progress and getting to know all of the thematic leads.”

“Seeing other women who are actively making change.”

“Detailed reporting on progress or the lack of it.”

“Meeting such interesting people and the excellent way in which it was planned and organised.”

“I really enjoy the spoken word/poetry readings.”

The honesty in these reflections captures exactly why the Reveal event matters.

Some of the data is difficult. When we examine progress across employment, participation, education, safety, and culture & active lives, we inevitably confront uncomfortable truths. The Active Lives findings in particular resonated deeply this year – described by one attendee as both “most interesting” and “depressing”.

But alongside that realism sits something equally powerful: determination.

You told us you value understanding not just where progress is happening, but where it’s stalling. You value detailed reporting. You value transparency. And you value being in a (virtual) room with others who are actively working to shift the dial.

Even online, the sense of shared purpose was tangible.

One of the strongest themes in your feedback was connection – seeing the leads behind each theme, hearing directly from those driving change and recognising this is a collective endeavour. Because progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through collaboration, persistence and visibility.

We were also reminded of the power of creativity within data spaces. The poetry and singing moments were highlighted as a meaningful part of the event – showing that statistics tell one story, but lived experience brings depth, humanity and urgency.

Of course, true accountability means listening to every voice – including where we can do better.

A few important pieces of feedback about speakers and subjects for future events stood out:

“It would be good to hear from more working class women.”

“Black women in politics.”

“Women's health inequalities, the lack of research into gynaecological conditions particularly impacting working age women, length of wait times for treatment for female conditions vs male conditions etc.”

“Toxic masculinity and male allies.”

We hear this. Representation matters not only in the data, but on our platforms and in our conversations. As we move forward, we’ll continue to think carefully about whose voices are amplified, whose experiences are centred, and how we ensure our spaces reflect the full diversity of women and girls across Greater Manchester. We’ll also consider the topics these representatives cover.

And sometimes, the simplest feedback says a great deal:

“I can’t think of anything to improve.”

That quiet endorsement tells us we are on the right track – while still leaving room to grow.

The Reveal event was not just about presenting findings. It was about reaffirming why the Pankhurst–Fawcett Scorecard exists: to track change honestly, to hold decision-makers to account and to keep gender equality firmly on the agenda as we move towards 2028.

To everyone who joined us live, completed the survey, contributed questions or continues to champion this work in your borough, organisation or community – huge thank you.

Your engagement gives the data meaning. Your scrutiny strengthens the work. Your determination drives progress.

We look forward to continuing this journey with you – in dialogue, in deeds and in shared commitment to a more equal, safer, fairer Greater Manchester.