On 21 January, millions around the world made history as they marched in support of women's rights. But as we head into increasingly uncertain times, it's more important than ever to keep the issue in the spotlight, both by championing the achievements of women and continuing to challenge the obstacles faced on a daily basis.
This is something the Southbank Centre set out to do when it launched its now annual flagship festival, WOW – Women of the World, in 2010, which has since grown into a global movement that, this year, will see sister events held in Hull and Finland for the first time, joining other events throughout the year across the UK and the world. From 7 to 12 March, to coincide with International Women's Day on 8 March, the festival will bring together some of today's leading female entrepreneurs, creatives and speakers for a diverse programme of talks and debates, performances and activities.
"Events of the past year have shown that, despite great strides by the feminist movement, the world still speaks a largely male language. More than ever, we must keep up the fight for gender equality and look at the far-reaching implications of the current political climate on our women and girls – from the localised to the global," says Southbank Centre artistic director Jude Kelly CBE. "We take the opportunity to hone in on women in politics, and the achievements of older women, a subject too often overlooked. We also look to the Nordic nations, who have long been seen as leaders in advocating gender equality, investigating the impact of their approach, and what we can learn from each other.”
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Over 200 events will take place during the six days, ranging from practical advice on health, finances and careers to in-depth debates on politics, human rights and other issues in the spotlight. Speakers include Harriet Harman MP, who will be discussing her memoir A Woman's Work, while other prominent politicians such as Labour's Stella Creasy and Tulip Siddiq and the Green Party's Jenny Jones will feature in panels tackling such issues as "What Does Brexit Mean for Women?" and "How to get Elected".
TV personality and QI presenter Sandi Toksvig will lead a lecture looking back at the last 12 months, as well as hosting a night of entertainment, featuring names including comedian Holly Walsh. Elsewhere, award-winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares her insight into raising a feminist daughter, Turkish author Elif Shafak and historian Bettany Hughes discuss what it's like being a woman in Istanbul, and the Southbank Centre's artist in residence, BBC Radio 1 presenter Gemma Cairney, talks about her publishing debut with Lauren Laverne.
WOW – Women of the World is at the Southbank Centre, London, from 7 - 12 March. For full listings and tickets visit southbankcentre.co.uk
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