SUPPORTING International Women’s Day on Saturday in Sale town centre we encouraged women to register to vote.

We were surprised how many women we met, said they had never voted and did not know how to vote, but were pleased to find out more.

It also gave them the opportunity to raise issues that are of concern to them.

The tone of the letter to the Messenger last week from Karen Metiage does not help us to highlight to women who do not vote, that they are really telling our suffragette foremothers that their long and tortuous campaign to get us the vote is lost on many women today.

Nine million women did not vote in the last election. Women fought for the vote because they knew that this was the only way to shape policies that affected their daily lives.

Our message, please, get out there and vote, Women’s votes matter and let your candidates know you are voting when they call and tell them what matters to you and the sort of society you and your families want to live in.

Cllr Joanne Bennett-Labour Councillor for Sale Moor

Cllr Jane Baugh-Labour Councillor for Priory Ward