With over three hundred stories by women from across Manchester, the Women’s Words Mcr archive is the most comprehensive collection of life-writing by women over the age of 16 on living, working and growing in this our fair city. It has stories from a multitude of voices, races, sexual orientations, backgrounds and cultures. It captures what it means to be old, young and middle-aged in this city. Having been involved in this project from almost its very inception, it is a privilege to see it come to fruition.

Yes, the gala, our “Suffragette Tea Party” was our celebration, but this, this archive is our true legacy. This archive is going to be a resource for years to come, a true picture of where women are today and how much further feminist activism needs to go so that there can be true equality and justice for all.

For me personally, one the best parts of the project was meeting so many different women from all over the city. I loved the workshops because I got to meet you, the women who were so brave to give us your stories. You shared your deepest pains, your moments of glory and that is amazing. We found so many examples of how there is the extraordinary in the ordinary.

The partners in this project, The Pankhurst Centre, Manchester Libraries and Archives, Soroptimist International Manchester and WordPlay Community Arts are grateful to the women of this city for their words.

If you participated in this project, do come along tomorrow to see the archive being launched. You’re special viewing time is from 4.00 – 5.30pm. After that, the doors will open to the general public until 7.30pm. The launch will take place at the:

Chief Librarian’s Room

3rd Floor Central Library

St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD

There’s no need to RSVP. Just turn up.

See you tomorrow.

#womenswordsmcr

If you’d like to know more about me, you can at go.tasneemperry.com