Salford feminist group SIRENS launch all-women takeover of nightclub

SIRENS, a Salford-based women-only networking group has set up a social takeover event in one of Manchester’s most popular nightclubs tonight (December 14). 

The Salford-based SIRENS focuses on professional women’s networking by setting up monthly social events only for women in the local area.

Speaking on tonight at Soup, Dr. Caty Flynn stated: “We wanted to do something that was just fun and just blowing off steam. We do these events, which are super interesting, and we learn stuff, but we also want to put on a sparkly dress and go out dancing.”

After finishing university, Dr. Flynn launched SIRENS in the summer. Commenting on its creation, Flynn stated: “It emerged largely as a result of my own frustration and my female colleague’s frustration that we didn’t have enough women to mix within our own professional and academic areas.”

Dr. Flynn founded her non-profit off the back of her attending Launch, a Salford University department that helps new and former students understand business and realize their ideas by attending free business sessions. 

Director of Launch and former mentor Paul Little applauded Caty’s events, stating: “This is a great kind of informal network of monthly events in order for people to come together and talk to other women professionals within their area.”

Despite minor backlash from people questioning the “women-only” aspect of Caty’s events, her Thursday social will be open to male allies as well for a one-off, limited event. 

Addressing the minor backlash, Caty simply stated: “I think it’s important for us to have the socials, as women-only spaces. And yeah, we have had different opinions about that. It should be said we don’t hate men. We’re not, we’re not against men. It’s just important to have spaces just for women.”

The takeover of Soup will feature all female artists spanning two floors. Featuring local artists such as I AM FYA, All Girls Arson Club and Renee Stormz.

After much planning, the all-women takeover of Soup will start at 6 pm tonight. Tickets are free for women online.