As we prepare for our first event, it feels like a good time to share the DivaManc story so far... DivaManc started when five women from Whalley Range, Manchester got together to discuss how we can make our area better, engage with women on issues that matter to them and improve their experience of living, working caring So we threw lots of ideas in the mix of what might be an interesting discussion that will engage women locally, but we wanted some tangible results at the e

I’m walking round with a sheaf of photocopied posters inviting women to our first DivaManc meeting this Thursday. It feels old skool – but in a good way – finding space alongside the Missing Cat, Grime Night, School Fair, Hajj travel offers, to invite local women to “be part of the debate to shape devolution in Greater Manchester”. Because although this devolution debate feels like something happening somewhere else, in rooms packed with suits, in photo calls with hard hats a

What can we learn from the women in Obama's administration? This story about the 'amplification' tactics being used by women in public office in US has gone viral. Read more in the Washington Post Read more in The Pool

Women clearly do want to be part of the DevoManc debate and to help shape the future of Greater Manchester. The first DivaManc event has been fully booked within 48 hours, even after we released further places to try and accommodate as many people as possible. It's going to be cosy! 50 women were quick to sign up and others have been messaging us to say they were disappointed to have missed out. We are feeling really excited about the buzz this has created and the possibil