International Women’s Day debate

The Birdhouse Fund has enlisted BBC News presenter Ranvir Singh to be part of a panel of influential women from across Greater Manchester debating the exploitation of females in the region.

The debate will take place in the Town Hall at 6.30pm on 8 March as part of the International Women’s Day. Topics of discussion will include trafficking, abuse, rape, slavery and the early sexualisation of young girls.

The media has highlighted the trafficking of women in the region in recent months but the debate looks to discuss the outcome of high profile local cases and how awareness can be raised. Latest figures suggest there were more than 80,000 cases of domestic abuse in Greater Manchester last year and The Birdhouse Fund hopes that the debate will inform local women of the terrible abuse.

Discussing the debate, Jane Kenyon, Vice President of The Birdhouse Fund, said “We’re hoping that through this event, local women will come and help us celebrate the empowerment of women and raise funds for those that desperately need help”.

Alongside Singh, other debaters will include Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, Yvonne Edge, manager of the Pankhurst Centre, Roz Hamilton, Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Probation Trust and feminist Jane Harper.

The event is part of the V-Day celebrations organised by The Birdhouse Fund and entry to a special performance of The Vagina Monologues hosted by Jill Halfpenny are included in debate ticket purchases.