March is a month filled with activities and events celebrating the contributions, resilience, and leadership of women across the world. As part of this, the Multifaith Chaplaincy teams at The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University came together to mark the World Day of Prayer;  a global ecumenical movement led by women that brings communities together in prayer, reflection, and solidarity.

On Friday 6 March 2026, colleagues, students, and members of the wider community gathered at Holy Name Church, Manchester, for a deeply meaningful ecumenical prayer service. This year’s global focus centred on the experiences of women in Nigeria, creating a powerful opportunity to reflect on shared humanity, resilience, and faith across different contexts and cultures.

The World Day of Prayer is more than a moment of spiritual gathering; it is a global call to awareness, empathy, and collective reflection. Each year, the service highlights a different country, offering insight into the lived experiences of women and communities around the world. This year also marks the University of Manchester’s first participation in this initiative, with a focus on Nigeria, bringing a richness of cultural expression and a powerful reminder of both the challenges and strengths that shape women’s lives globally.

It was a privilege to participate in the service, contributing through leading songs and readings. One particularly joyful and meaningful moment for me was singing in my native dialect. This added a deeply personal dimension to the experience and served as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals can bring their full selves. Moments like this highlight how cultural identity, when embraced, enriches shared experiences and strengthens our sense of belonging.

The service brought together people from different backgrounds, faiths, and traditions in a spirit of unity and openness. It created space not only for prayer, but also for connection  – allowing attendees to pause from their daily routines and engage in a moment of reflection and collective presence. In a busy academic environment, such opportunities are invaluable for fostering wellbeing and strengthening community ties including Nigerian Women’s Group.

A key strength of the event was its inclusive and collaborative nature. The Multifaith Chaplaincy teams ensured that the service was welcoming and accessible, encouraging participation from all, regardless of background or belief. This aligns strongly with the University’s broader commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, where creating spaces that recognise and celebrate difference is central to building a thriving and supportive community.

The leadership and dedication of those involved in organising the service were instrumental in its success. Special thanks go to Dr Omolade Allen, Professor Dawn Edge, Sr Alicia Perez, Beth Williams, Fr Dushan Croos, Fr Philip Harrison, and Fr Paul Fletcher, alongside the wider team, for their thoughtful coordination and commitment to creating such a meaningful experience. Their work demonstrates the importance of community-led initiatives in fostering connection, reflection, and shared understanding.

Events such as the World Day of Prayer remind us that inclusion is not only about policies and frameworks, but also about lived experiences and meaningful interactions. They provide an opportunity to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with others both locally and globally. In highlighting the experiences of women in Nigeria, the service encouraged us to reflect more deeply on global inequalities while also celebrating strength, resilience, and hope.

As we continue to build inclusive environments within our institutions, it is important to create and support spaces where people can come together across differences. Moments like this strengthen our collective sense of community and remind us of the power of unity, faith, and shared humanity.

We encourage colleagues and students to engage with future events organised by the Multifaith Chaplaincy and other community groups. These gatherings, though simple in format, play a significant role in nurturing belonging, promoting wellbeing, and reinforcing the values of inclusion and respect that underpin our University community.

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Written by Dr Perpetual Eze-Idehen

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