The fifth edition of the Women of the World festival aims to explore many facets of the female identity through conversations on leadership, allyship, and accountability in a post pandemic world. The two-days “Rani” themed festival will take place on 5-6th March.

The WOW festival is held by the British Council in collaboration with WOW Foundation, UK based independent organization “working to build, convene and sustain a global movement to advance the empowerment of women and girls.”

Due to the pandemic, WOW had to shift its event to a virtual event last year.

This year, the virtual event will include panel discussions, interactive workshops, talks, performances, children’s storytelling and more. Senator Sherry Rehman will be speaking on child marriage, and Founder of WOW Jude Kelly CBE will also deliver a keynote speech.

According to a press release, panel discussions around navigating safe spaces online and the impact of climate change on women will also take place, along with performances by Mai Dhai, Natasha Ejaz and Shazia Mirza.

Actor Sania Saeed and Mira Sethi will host ‘check-ins’ to help navigate the various aspects of the festival and will host some surprise ‘guests’ as well.

Laila Jamil, Director Arts, British Council Pakistan said: “We are so pleased to have put together this festival with our curators. It is a sensitively curated programme that offers great insight into contemporary Pakistani concerns and highlights the inspiring work being done by women and non-binary people across a variety of sectors. Artists and cultural practitioners have been instrumental in using their art forms and voices to inform and support civil society and civic issues. Women empowerment and wellness is a key challenge, and this festival offers a publicly engaging and informative programme.”

Aaj News is a media partner for this year's WOW event.