With an estimated 9,000 cases of domestic abuse reported in
Greater Manchester every year, and cut backs to support services
reaching crisis point, local charity the Birdhouse Fund is rallying
help to support the region's vulnerable women this International
Women's Day.
On the evening of 8 March, the Birdhouse Fund will lead a VDay
performance of the world renowned Vagina Monologues in a bid to
raise awareness and funds to support women fleeing domestic
violence in Greater Manchester.
Set to be the biggest, cause-driven celebration of International
Women's Day in the region, the performances, showcased at
Manchester's Birdcage nightclub, will feature a cast of real, local
women telling their own stories of survival and success as well as
those featured in the original monologues.
Jane Kenyon, pictured, co-founder of the Birdhouse Fund, said:
"The statistics surrounding domestic violence have always been
alarming, however, with refuges closing down, our vulnerable women
are resorting to sleeping in petrol stations and tents in order to
escape. The Birdhouse Fund is dedicated to helping these women, and
what more appropriate time to raise awareness and funds than on
International Women's Day.
"The women of Manchester have an amazing track record of city-wide
collaboration - we are pioneers and have always stepped up to the
cause, and we know this support will continue now. We are proud
leaders of VDay in Manchester and through the support of the
region's ladies, together we will also be helping to stop violence
against women globally."
Manchester's glam nightclub The Birdcage will open its doors at
6.30pm on Thursday 8th March. VIP ticket holders will enjoy a
cocktail reception sponsored by Pannone, a shopping alley and
raffle before the performance commences at 8pm.
VIP and standard tickets are on sale now at birdhousefund.org
With an ambitious fundraising target of £20K from this event
alone, the Birdhouse Fund will be donating 10% of funds to Eve
Ensler's VDay charity while the remaining 90% will go direct to
Greater Manchester's vulnerable women.
