The 7th edition of the British Council’s WOW – Women of the World Festival, in collaboration with Standard Chartered, Shan Foods, UNFPA, ECDI Pakistan, and Olomopolo Media, concluded on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore.
This two-day festival, which was free and open to the public, witnessed a significant turnout. It marked the first WOW festival held in Lahore, following successive festivals in Karachi and Hunza.
The festival’s opening speech was delivered by the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott. In contrast, the closing speech was given by the Deputy Chief Executive of the British Council, Kate Ewart-Biggs.
The event also saw the presence of the Chair of the British Council, Dr. Paul Thompson. The WOW festival’s program featured unique panels, workshops, film screenings, immersive performances, vibrant marketplaces, puppet shows, and films for children. A diverse lineup of performances included popular music artists Natasha Noorani and Eva B.
The festival’s closing performance featured an ensemble of artists, including Amna Riaz, Romaisa Tariq, Annural Khalid, and Natasha Baig, featuring Hassan and Roshan.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE commented, “This year’s WOW festival continues to push boundaries, addressing significant gender issues and expanding to Lahore. As women’s rights worldwide face challenges, it has been inspiring to hear from those at the forefront of defending them.”
Kate Ewart-Biggs, Deputy Chief Executive of the British Council, emphasized the importance of women’s full and free participation in a nation’s success, highlighting the significance of supporting the WOW Festival in Pakistan.
Dr. Paul Thompson, Chair of the British Council, expressed delight at witnessing the first WOW festival held in Lahore, emphasizing women’s empowerment as a core focus of their work.
Presented in partnership with the WOW Foundation, this year’s festival theme was “Sakhiyan” (Friends), celebrating the bond of friendship among women. The theme was explored through various topics, including mental health, climate change, education, women in public spaces, the digital divide, power and patriarchy, and disability.
