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MCRJourno A new, state-of-the-art space for training, workshops, and professional development is launching in Bolton this week. Imagination Street has been created to spark creativity, promote collaboration, and support learning, providing businesses, educators, and professionals with a versatile space to connect and grow. More than just a venue, Imagination Street is a dynamic hub with versatile spaces for training, meetings, and networking. It is designed to accommodate various professional needs and provides a practical and engaging setting for learning, collaboration, and business growth. Stuart Convery, Commercial Development Director said: "We wanted to create a space which can be used by businesses not only to train and develop their workforce but also to come and spend time somewhere that inspires creativity and innovative thinking." To celebrate the launch, Imagination Street is hosting an exclusive opening event on Thursday to give guests a first-hand look at the space and an evening of networking, entertainment, and industry insights - plus an official opening by the Mayor of Bolton and comedy from Maura Jackson, AKA The Feather Fixer. You can register for the event here: imaginationstreet.eventbrite.com

Helen Clarke Throughout March Hard Rock International is celebrating "International Women’s Month” and announcing a year-long partnership with superstar Shakira. The partnership aims to empower women around the world to tell their stories, be their authentic selves and unite through the power of music. "I’m excited to partner with an organisation with an incredible history of uplifting women through the power of music, to empower my sisters this International Women’s Day and beyond." said Shakira. "Together we can use our voices to break barriers and make the world a more inclusive space where every woman feels confident being themselves." Hard Rock Cafe Manchester will host a number of performances in the restaurant to raise funds for the Hard Rock Heals Foundation - a charity working with music artists to improve lives and promote wellbeing. In support of the partnership launching for International Women's Day, the foundation is donating $250,000 to Pies Descalzos Foundation which helps poor and impoverished children in Columbia. Patricia Sierra, Executive Director at Pies Descalzos Foundation said the donation will "support our mission of providing access to education for Colombia’s young girls, giving them a brighter future." As part of the launch campaign, visitors to the restaurant can enjoy performances from Lisa T on 12th March and Outfoxed on 28th alongside a limited time menu. The menu will be available from 1st to 31st March and pay homage to Shakira’s culture and the traditional flavours of Colombia. Items include: Hips Don’t Lie Margarita : A fruity silver tequila-based cocktail with elderflower liqueur, muddled strawberries and cucumbers. Cucumber Lime Mint : Curated with fresh lime, mint and cucumber with elderflower tonic. Chicken Fattoush Salad : Grilled chicken breast with fattoush vegetables, mixed greens, flatbread croutons, Caesar dressing and red wine vinaigrette. Hamburguesa Colombiana : A smash burger with American cheese, shaved lettuce, tomato, Legendary Sauce and potato chips, served with seasoned fries. Dulce De Leche Hot Fudge Brownie : A rich chocolate brownie topped with thick and creamy caramel sauce. The restaurant will also have a selection of the International Women's Month merchandise available to purchase on-site and online.

Helen Clarke Karen Wilson - founder Emmeline's Pantry, actress Jennie McAlpine and Laura Callaghan - TLC A Manchester-based corporate event company has donated much-needed supplies to foodbank Emmeline’s Pantry for International Women's Day - alongside a familiar face. Event producing organisation Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC) closed its headquarters on Friday 7th March to deliver food, clothing, and toys to women and children in need of extra support. Local actress and coronation star Jennie McAlpine lent her voice to the initiative saying: "When I heard what Liz and the TLC team were doing, I knew I had to be involved - Emmeline’s Pantry is a lifeline, and I’m proud to stand behind the incredible work they do every day." Demand for the service has risen by 222% in the last five years and supports around 250 people each week. One service-user spent years trapped inside due to a debilitating autoimmune disease, feeling isolated and hopeless she struggled to support her family. Frankie Lyons - TLC, actress Jennie McAlpine, Karen Wilson - founder of Emmeline's Pantry, Laura Callaghan and Candice Clark - TLC She said: "This charity gave me back my self-worth, their support helped me regain confidence and now I’m proud to volunteer and give back to the organisation that lifted me up." Through Emmeline’s Pantry she found practical support as well as the kindness and encouragement to rebuild her confidence and self-esteem. Emmeline’s Pantry is a vital service supporting women and families across the Manchester region who are struggling to feed and clothe their families. It operates on a referral system and can be as the result of various circumstances, including the cost-of-living crisis, mental or physical health challenges, and escaping domestic violence. Items in high demand include laundry products, washing-up liquid, coffee, cooking oil, new clothing, toiletries, and preloved shoes and handbags in good condition. For more information visit www.emmelinespantry.com

MCRJourno Annette Badland, Maureen Beattie, Margot Leicester, Souad Faress. Credit: Johan Persson The Royal Exchange Manchester welcomes two plays into one theatre production - Escaped Alone and What If If Only - but is one more poignant than the other? Featuring a high calibre cast and making the best use of the theatre-in-the-round experience, the Caryl Churchill pieces explore themes of grief, loss, and isolation through what seems to be the mundanity of life. Starring Annette Badland - whose monologue is phenomenally moving, Maureen Beattie who captures the attention of the entire theatre with her dark and troubling role, Margot Leicester whose dialogue and delivery feels more like a conversation with a close aunt than a scripted performance, and Souad Faress who offers levity and comedic timing to an enseble any thespian would be hopeful to arrive at. One would be forgiven for thinking they were about to witness the retelling of stories, the familiarity of old friendships and the necessity of maintaining relationships as you age when first sitting down at the opening of Escaped Alone. Credit: Johan Persson Centered on three old friends and one new face, we are treated to frivolity and pleasant reminiscing as we learn a little about each character through clipped staccato expressions. Each utterance leaves the audience short on every thought and swept into the next, quite like you would expect from friends keen to share their past with eachother. The piece isn't what it seems however as we are jolted out of comfort with cut-aways and surprise tone changes via Bethany Gupwell's lighting design and pulled back into the present moment by Nicola T. Chang's sound and Sundeep Saini's movement direction. Light-hearted and chilling in equal measure, Escaped Alone isn't simply the sharing of stories between old friends or a trip down memory lane, but is a homage to the unwavering bonds of friendship, fear, desperation and timing that bind people together. Do not mistake this play as something only relatable to those in the autumn years of life - this piece is subversive in its style, warm in its dialogue and impressive in its cast. What If If Only followed next, while a shorter play, similar themes of loss and the power of relationships are explored here but from rather a different lens. What If If Only - Danielle Henry, Lamin Touray. Credit: Johan Persson While the first play favoured the past, this play favours the future - whichever future you can imagine it seems, and the thread is less clear here as the actors have a little more than half an hour to transport you into the world of 'Someone' - a grieving partner played by Danielle Henry. Danielle gives a convincing performance accompanied by Lamin Touray who represents the all too difficult 'Present' moment - a moment where Someone is grief-stricken and alone. A moment where any future is acceptable in the face of losing her partner, for which she'd give any hope of a future to get back. Both actors are strong on stage and joined by members of The Royal Exchange Elder's Company the scene is believable if not completely coherent. This piece is more one of interpretation, for those wanting to look a little deeper it leaves audience members with questions rather than answers - a chance for introspection. A play that leaves you asking what if, if only... we'd have had more time.

Helen Clarke Credit: Johan Persson This week marked the arrival of Birmingham Royal Ballet's production of Cinderella at Lowry, Salford. Running from 6th March to 8th March (inclusive) - this performance is a light-hearted and skill-fully created spectacle for lovers of the art as well as a spectacular introduction for novices. The costume design by artist John Macfarlane alongside scenery construction by Royal Opera House Production Department invites you to step into the magical realism of an evening's refreshing respite from outside noise. Sergei Prokofiev’s musical score is the perfect compliment to the most delicate and whimsical of moments on stage. Retelling the classic story of Cinderella with very little distinction from the original, this performance offers one additional element to the fairytale - the value placed on dance as a commodity. Credit: Johan Persson Cinderella, the two sisters, and indeed most of the men and women in the production must dance to earn their place alongside the prince - an interesting layer to a story so traditionally based on beauty vs 'ugly', Cinderella vs stepsisters. Here, dance (and a little bit of sparkle) is enough to lift one out of a meek existence and into a life of royalty, carriages, overconsumption, and happiness. With attempts made by the two sisters' characters to inject humour throughout, the production tries to deliver the popular children's story with a dash of originality - something difficult to achieve with such a well-loved tale. The choreography of the flight of dancers performing in-sync to a live orchestra connected to them only through sound, while simultaneously severed by lack of sight due to their placement under the stage, is quite remarkable. Credit: Johan Persson Whether a ballet aficionado or a complete beginner, there is no long and winding road to journey down in order to un-pick the story here, nor are there any prerequisites needed to enjoy the performance. There is no knowledge or experience required, simply the ability to engage the senses and observe. For those arriving with expectations, the performance is so quintessential that the most accurate way one can describe what you are about to witness is to say, what do you see when you close your eyes and hear the word 'ballet.'

MCRJourno Stockport Council are encouraging residents to celebrate International Women's Day with events being held today, tomorrow, and in the coming days to celebrate women making a difference through social, political and cultural achievements in the borough. Today: Friday 7th March 9:30am - 12pm Hatworks, Hatting Walk of Stockport Hat Works’ Sue will share her family hatting herstory, alongside other hatting heroes Sarah Ward, Elsie Plant. Celebrate inspiring hatting women past and present. 11am - 1pm Hardcastle Lounge, Edgeley Park Celebrate the achievements of inspiring women in and around Stockport at the quarterly County Business Club. Hear from local female business owners and entrepreneurs, ask questions and celebrate success. Tomorrow: Saturday 8th March 11am - 2pm Hazel Grove Civic Hall Women who have served in HM Armed Forces and their female family members are welcome to join this coffee morning for activities, conversation and cake to applaud Stockport Armed Forces - for more info contact|: Amanda.peers@pureinnovations.co.uk Tuesday 11th March 10am - 2pm (come for the full day or drop in) What if? Cafe, Hardman Street Create to Accelerate - A Wave of Change Event Showcasing Stockport’s creativity at this event, the team will be focusing on sharing skills, support and accelerating action through creativity. Attendees can take part in interactive workshops, discussions and networking. Ongoing Stockport Women and Girls Network are marking International Women’s Day with a social media campaign, celebrating their volunteers, activities and role models - you can follow the campaign on their social channels. Find out more about events happening in Stockport for International Women's Day: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/events

Helen Clarke Chef Shama Rahman Chef Shama Rahman, My Nawaab's trailblazing female Desi Head Chef is breaking barriers in Manchester's culinary scene as the only formally trained female chef at the restaurant. Shama is championing an inclusive kitchen culture, paving the way for future female chefs in the industry and making a broader impact in her community through regular initiatives. Why are culinary careers so male-dominated at the head chef level and how can we disrupt this? I think there are many reasons as to why culinary careers are so male dominated. We’ve seen men dominate professional kitchens, yet in the South Asian culinary space there is a real juxtaposition where we see women who are expected to be the primary cooks at home, which essentially stems from traditional gender roles. The systemic barriers in place have allowed for such a strong male dominance in the kitchen, especially at Head Chef level and we need to address this to disrupt the industry. Kitchen culture is notorious for the inflexible hours that significantly impact women with any form of caregiving responsibilities, which is why My Nawaab have implemented flexible, family-friendly policies to help the whole team. Credit: My Nawaab Representation matters in all industries and the culinary industry is no different. I have been fortunate to build my profile through community events and social media to increase visibility. It’s so important that we put the foundations in place to show young women that this path exists. What inspired your softer approach to leadership and has this ever been met with resistance? My leadership approach is ultimately an expression of my values. Growing up in a South Asian household, kitchens were a place of joy and community which is why I like to lead with a ‘kitchen works best with kindness’ approach to everything we do. We have seen that the softer, team-oriented approach to day-to-day tasks has delivered some exceptional results. Of course, this approach has faced resistance, especially earlier in my career, but that became validation when the results spoke for themselves! My kitchen now has a lower staff turnover, the team are more motivated, and we’ve even seen an improvement on the food quality. I do think the industry is now realising that toxic environments aren’t necessary for culinary excellence. In the media kitchens are seen as these intense, stressful, almost dangerous environments - how accurate is this and how can we rebut the stereotypes? Credit: My Nawaab We can’t deny the fact that kitchens are high-pressure environments. Many kitchens, if not all, operate under some kind of pressure, especially with the tight deadlines. The old fashioned ‘kitchen culture’ that normalised physical discomfort and intimidation in a toxic environment, should definitely be rebutted. We're able to maintain the same high standards you see in the media but with better efficiency and without the toxic elements through the correct staffing and planning. We reduce unnecessary pressure and do regular team building focusing on collaboration rather than competition. We’re working towards the same goals, not competing for different ones. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in culinary careers? It’s so important to define success on your own terms. I’d advise all women in the culinary environment to really think about what success means to you. A successful culinary career doesn’t necessarily mean running multi-Michelin starred restaurant. It could mean a cookbook, a family run restaurant or even a thriving external catering business. I’d also recommend developing both your technical excellence and your leadership skills - these are skills that will stick with you throughout your career. By mastering your craft, your competence can’t be questioned and by developing skills such as emotional intelligence and strong communication, you will succeed in everything you do. Credit: My Nawaab But my best piece of advice would be to honour your cultural culinary heritage. As a South Asian woman, my earliest culinary influences have been my family, and I’ve inherited many rich culinary traditions. Some of my most successful dishes combine my strongest influences - traditional home cooking techniques with my formal culinary training. Many lazy stereotypes revolve around women in the kitchen, yet most prestigious chefs are male - what does this tell us about women's relationship with cooking? This stereotype reveals exactly how society values labour differently based on gender and as noted, these stereotypes are based of traditional gender norms, something we need to steer away from to inspire the next generation of women. It’s clear to see that cooking is valued differently for example, when cooking is unpaid domestic work, it's considered "women's domain” - expected, taken for granted, and undervalued. However, when that same activity becomes professionalised, commercialised, and prestigious, it suddenly transforms into "men's work”- technical, worthy of recognition and highly compensated. Historically women's relationship with food has been one of nourishment, creativity, cultural preservation, and care. What's interesting in South Asian cooking, is how women have been the primary preservers of culinary heritage. Recipes passed down through generations of women have maintained our cultural identity across oceans and through migrations and now more women are reclaiming the professional value of their culinary knowledge. We're seeing more female-led restaurants than ever celebrating home-style cooking. The challenge isn't changing women's relationship with food, which has always been rich and meaningful, but changing society's relationship with recognising and valuing women's contributions to culinary arts.

Helen Clarke Continuing our International Women's Day content - we spoke to Ruth Healey, President of SIGBI, and the president of SI Manchester - an organisation running projects to help women and girls. Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) works to tackle gender violence and inequality, creating a positive impact both locally and globally and has lobbied on personal safety, domestic violence, modern slavery, education rights and women’s health in recent years. With reports stating it will take at least another five generations of women until we reach gender parity - why are we still seeing issues that disproportionately affect women and what can be done? World wide, the UN estimates that it will take 286 years to close legal gaps, 140 years for equal leadership and 40 years for gender parity in parliaments. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a bold international agreement on women’s rights adopted by governments in 1995 that remains unmatched in ambition. In reviewing its progress, 24% of countries say that the backlash on gender equality has undermined the implementation of commitments that could unlock equality, rights and protection for all women and girls. Ruth Healey, Credit: Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Insecurity, crises and democratic decay have created a perfect storm of backlash against women’s rights. According to the UN, nearly three quarters of the world’s population are living under autocratic rule that have curtailed rights and freedoms, and over 600 million women and girls lived in conflict-affected countries. The Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, numerous conflicts and crises around the world, and the encroachment on women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights have derailed the path to gender equality. What mistakes are we making now and how do we empower women of the future, especially those that have struggled with the issues of domestic violence and homelessness that your projects seek to support? Gender inequality has been allowed to flourish for generations. In order to counter this trend, we believe that governments must invest in the education of women and girls. While not enough by itself, achieving universal girls’ education has been proven to improve gender equality significantly. Each additional year of schooling can boost a girls’ earnings as an adult with further impacts on poverty reduction, better maternal health and reduced violence against women. The commonly used phrase 'if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family' is never more apt. During the Commission on the Status of Women 2024 at the UN, with a theme of poverty, the assembly called for gender neutral budgets to be implemented and for the, largely, male-dominated financial services sector to find a way to allow female entrepreneurs to be adequately supported - thereby ensuring women can earn their own income, become independent, educate their children and break the cycle of poverty, poor health and violence. In the UK, gender bias is still evident in many policy decisions, our budgets are not neutral and policies often overlook gender-specific health concerns. The way we are addressing these issues must change if we are to make any change in women’s equality and safety. What actions can we take to accelerate the strength and understanding of these women? Become aware. It’s vital to hear the stories, know and understand the issues and then advocate. Ask ourselves, ‘Is this good enough?’ Lobby and campaign our parliament and local councils to ensure that women’s issues are part of every ministerial department’s agenda Attendance at CSW - over 100 Soroptimists are going, making themselves known Work at grassroots level to support women and girls in breaking down barriers and highlighting opportunities Listen to survivors of domestic and other abuse Soroptimists work with food banks, kitchens, and support refuges Support schools with STEM competitions, public speaking competitions etc to develop a sense of worth and esteem in young girls Work to highlight the issue of online abuse and help to educate girls on how to make healthy relationship decisions Develop partnerships with other like-minded organisations. None of this can be done on our own but together we are stronger Get journalists familiar with the issues

MCRJourno Chadderton Wellbeing Centre has launched a workout space exclusively for women. The new private space has a full range of cardio and strength training equipment and female staff, and is in addition to the existing gym on Burnley Street, Chadderton, Oldham. This follows the success of Women’s Wednesdays on Wednesday mornings for women-only access to swimming, the sauna, and group classes such as aerobics, body pump and Zumba. Stuart Lockwood, Chief Executive of Oldham Active said: "We have taken the decision to invest in a dedicated gym space exclusively for women to encourage more women in the local community to lead active, healthier lives." The launch of the space was attended by Rebecca Fletcher, Public Health Director for Oldham as well as local councillors and Oldham's Deputy Mayor. Opening hours for the gym are 6:30am - 9pm during the week and 8am - 5pm on weekends, and participants must be at least 16 years old to access the area.

Helen Clarke With only 50% of young adults in the UK familiar with endometriosis and many health practitioners including GPs and A&E doctors unable to recognise the symptoms - there are plenty of missed opportunities to stop suffering, curb the progress of the disease, and wasted NHS resources, says charity. Despite being one of the most common gynaecological conditions, affecting one in ten women, the lack of awareness and education is leaving those with the condition facing an average of almost nine years for a diagnosis. This had led to a loss of education and work productivity alongside impacting physical and mental health for many. Charity Endometriosis UK is launching its Action Month in March - Endometriosis Explained - by calling on governments across the UK to improve their education in schools and healthcare setting. "Without this education, those with the disease will continue to face challenges in accessing the right care at the right time." said the charity. Emma Cox, CEO, Endometriosis UK A survey for Endometriosis UK last year found that 78% of respondents who later went on to receive a diagnosis had experienced one or more doctor comments saying "you're making a fuss about nothing" or similar. Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis UK said: "Such a common and often debilitating disease deserves the same level of recognition as conditions like diabetes and asthma. "We hope governments across the UK will build on their commitments to support women’s health. Without this, the next generation of those with endometriosis will continue to be let down." Endometriosis UK is the UK’s leading charity offering support for those with endometriosis as it believes that as those living with the disease have a hard enough time, they shouldn't have to battle for understanding and support too. The organisation is calling on all UK governments to include menstrual health education as a compulsory part of the school curriculum, and ensure that every healthcare practitioner receives effective education on menstrual health conditions including endometriosis. Endometriosis: a disease in which cells like those covering the inside of the uterus grow outside the uterus.

MCRJourno Get involved in International Women's Day on 8th March as well as the events surrounding the day with a gallery exhibition, a photographic collection, a creative workshop, theatre sessions, and a creative talk. Events take place inside Waterside - 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF. IWD Exhibition 1st March - 29th March Free - Gallery '74 This year's IWD is focussed on accelerating action with Waterside saying "Here in Trafford we have many women who are actively 'Accelerating Action' and our Gallery ’74 showcase aims to shine a light on some of the empowering activities of individuals and organisations within our borough and the wider Greater Manchester community." Little Face Big Feelings - Photography collection Runs until 19th April Free Through a female lens the collection documents the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people worldwide. Documentary photographer, Maria Reaney has brought together the work of 16 female photographers from 10 countries, reflecting emotion - boredom, longing, contemplation, playfulness, curiosity, and frustration. Creative Workshop 8th March 12pm - 1:15pm & 1:30pm - 2:45pm £3 - The studio Age 12+ with under 18s accompanied by an adult Create a photomontage or collage with text under the guidance of Maria in this interactive workshop to create an artwork which reflects your feelings and experiences in a friendly and safe space - no experience needed. The Importance of Independent Photographers in Creating a Truthful Account of Historical Events 8th March 3:30pm - 4:30pm £3 - The Lauriston Gallery Photographers will discuss the importance of bringing together this unique collection of images and the significant contribution that independent documentary photography projects play in ensuring truthful accounts of historical events. Light Up Drama Workshops 14th, 21st and 28th March 11am - 2pm £3 - The Chambers Workshops are led by drama facilitator Nour Sabouneh, to unlock your inner strength, build confidence and develop communication skills, all while celebrating the rich tapestry of your cultural heritage. 14th March - Unveiling the Self: Self-Exploration Through Drama 21st March - Express Yourself: Emotional Expression & Communication 28th March - The Power of Teamwork: Trust & Collaboration Through Drama

MCRJourno Credit: Dishoom Local Manchester restaurant Dishoom is inviting guests of all faiths to gather for a generous and flavourful Iftar feast with them for Ramadan this month. Ramadan is observed throughout March this year, taking place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community leading up to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. A tradition of Ramadan is fasting between dawn and sunset with the breaking of one's fast shared with loved ones. Dishoom’s chef-wallas will prepare café classics and Iftar specials daily to share the traditions of Ramadan with all. The Iftar Feasting Menu costs £35 per person and features snacks such as Keema Pau and Okra Fries, grills including Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Chaat and biryanis, followed by the Iftar special dish of Daal Gosht & Laccha Paratha - a slow-cooked, tender lamb leg served in daal and with a pillowy paratha and tangy mixed pickle. Credit: Dishoom Sweet treats are also available with Kulfi and Basmati Kheer. Available from Friday 28th February to Monday 31st March the feast is set for groups of four or more every day from when the sun sets. The Iftar feast is also available as a vegetarian menu, spotlighting dishes like the Awadhi Jackfruit Biryani and Makhmali Paneer as well as a vegan menu featuring dishes like Chole Puri and the Chilli Broccoli Salad. Medjool dates will also be available for those breaking their fast in-café or waiting in the queue.