Women of The World
Karachi Festival
The British Council in Pakistan, in partnership with the WOW Foundation, and four other aids in curation process – ECDI, Dr Fozia Tahir, Numaish-Karachi, and Olomopolo Media – is bringing WOW to Karachi for its third installment! The festival will take place on 14th and 15th December
The British Council in Pakistan, in partnership with the WOW Foundation, and four other aids in curation process – ECDI, Dr Fozia Tahir, Numaish-Karachi, and Olomopolo Media – is bringing WOW to Karachi for its third installment! The festival will take place on 14th and 15th December
It cannot be denied that women, across the world, have historically been pushed to the margins by the rampant system of patriarchy. Women have had to face immense magnitude of obstacles – physical and otherwise – in attainment of their dreams and in realization of their personhood. Likewise, women in Pakistan, especially in the more conservative regions are fighting big and small battles for a better life, and for an increased contribution in the progress of society.
WOW festival celebrates the resilience of women and non-binaries in getting through struggles and achievements, and creates a platform that takes a frank look at the problems they face across the world.In this festival, there are talks, performances, workshops, food, music, mentoring and much more. Also, WOW is for everyone, and brings people together from all the different corners of society – both speakers and audience members – energising and providing the inspiration and tools to make change.
The themes for 2019 are Resilience, Transformation and Return. Resilience honours the spirit of women to turn adversity into strength. Transformation celebrates their collective efforts to create societies that value all women. Return embraces the wisdom of practices that are closer to nature.
The Keynote Speaker
Senator Sherry Rehman is known and loved by millions as a progressive, feminist politician who is also the chair of Climate Change Caucus in the parliament, former Federal Minister for Culture, Women Development and Health, former Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and the recipient of the International Peace Award for Democrats, the Jeanne Kirkpatrick Award for Women, and Pakistan’s Highest Civil Award, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for her services as a diplomat, journalist and civil society activist.
WOW Workshops
WOW is organizing a series of workshops on very crucial areas, that are open to both men and women who are attending the festival. These topics target the contemporary needs and offer a space for debate and discussion for the participants.
First there is a workshop around bodily autonomy, body nutrition and care. Fatima Zahra will walk you through the philosophy and process of respecting your body by eating right and staying healthy.
Second, a workshop that tells women how to navigate public spaces amongst the assault epidemics, is designed specifically on the concept of personal space, on understanding the psychology of an assaulter, learning comprehensive protective mechanisms, and practising physical moves essential for protection in unsafe scenarios.
Third, the session “Know your digital rights” takes the help of the lawyer Nighad Dad who is fighting alongside other women at the forefront of the #MeToo movement in Pakistan, to explore whether or not fundamental human rights replicate themselves in online spaces, cyber harassment and bullying. The workshop will also address how to ensure online safety and security.
Financially independent women are more likely to fight against the qualms of gender inequality. The fourth workshop, “Money Matters” teaches financial concepts such as savings and investments simple, emphasizing on the importance of women taking a more active role in their financial lives.
Actress Samiya Mumtaz will also be hosting a movement & theater-based workshop, exploring what it means to create and express with our bodies, be it through facial expressions or limbs, bringing together eastern and western theatrical traditions.
Similarly, veteran actor Sania Saeed organizing a theatre-based workshop, aiming to create a more nuanced understanding of gender roles and responsibilities in the Pakistani society, and the impact they have on those they are imposed upon.
Live Performances
Art is resistance and resilience. Art helps portray expressions and get message across in the most profound ways. Henceforth, WOW has also arranged performance programmes that will feature a range of local artists from live installations, dance performances, dramatic readings, and music.
WOW Bites are short talks, readings, and soapbox moments, on a very wide range of subjects designed to inspire, engage and introduce audiences to all sorts of different facts, ideas and new ways of thinking. From women in tech, and third spaces in Karachi to modern motherhood, and the life of single women in urban Pakistan. WOW has a fantastic line up of WOW bite speakers:
WOW Bites and WOW Talks
Along with those short sessions, there will also be arranged, WOW Talks. At the heart of WOW are the conversations we need to have, led by people who have created change in their countries and in their communities. These sessions explore many of the issues faced today by all those working towards a more gender equal world.
Eat, Buy, Support, Repeat.
A festival wouldn’t be a festival without food and market! WOW has arranged a bazar in midst of the festival, where delicious food will be served and a great number of stalls, selling products from female entrepreneurs and underserved craftsmen. Come one, come all and boost their spirits!
Also, very importantly, British Council is committed to having an environmentally responsible WOW Karachi Festival 2019 and are working closely with partners to plan and implement a festival which will reflect green event best practices. You ought not to miss this one!
