The Women Of World Foundation (WOW) announces line up for 10th anniversary festival in London

The Women Of World Foundation (WOW) has announced the full line-up for its 10th anniversary Festival in London. British Vogue will present Forces for Change with editor-in-chief Edward Enninful.

Forces for Change was launched in the September issue of the magazine, which was guest edited by the Duchess of Sussex.

For this special WOW event, activists and fashion pioneers will join for an evening of conversation exploring the publication’s ongoing movement, sharing stories of female trailblazers setting the agenda across the globe.

WOW will pay tribute to the late Toni Morrison in Remembering Toni Morrison, an afternoon of contemporary responses to the seminal American author.

CARE International’s annual #March4Women will be a rousing rally, with an urgent call to action for women on the front line of the climate crisis.

The afternoon will be introduced by Helen Pankhurst, CARE International UK’s special adviser on gender equality and the great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, with Jude Kelly, founder of WOW, and other guests to be announced.

WOW runs from March 6-8 across the International Women’s Day weekend at the Southbank Centre.

Shows featuring Naomi Wolf, Shazia Mirza, Scarlett Curtis, Sandi Toksvig, Mary Robinson, Elif Shafak, Julia Gillard and more will take place over the three days.

Festival-goers can purchase day passes for Friday and Saturday to explore a huge programme of talks, workshops and performances.

New day pass sessions include a mayoral debate, featuring the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, and 2020 electoral candidates including Sue Black, Rory Stewart and Siobhan Benita.

Day pass attendees will also be able to choose from talks, workshops and performances including Jess Phillips in conversation on her book Truth to Power; a masterclass in voguing, a global mix of comedians presented by Funny Women and an exploration of iconic dolls gender stereotyping in Life in Plastic, is it Fantastic?

Activist Valentino Vecchietti and special guests will explore what it means to be intersex.
Women of Colour and Mental Health presents an exploration of the barriers women of colour face that mean they are affected disproportionately by mental health issues.

Where has trans activism got to? takes a look at the joy and challenges of the trans activist movement so far.

Where’s My Vagina with Jenny Sealey is a discussion on bringing up boys and The Successes of the Lionesses will address what the England women’s football team’s success means for everyone else in and outside of sport.

Helen Pankhurst said: “This will be our ninth annual March4Women and what better place to hold our rally than WOW.

“Like WOW, March4Women is an opportunity for feminists of every age and gender to come together in solidarity for a fairer and more equal world.

“This year March4Women will be calling for support for women on the front line of the climate crisis.

“Around the world, women and girls are hardest hit by the devastating impacts of climate change – yet they play such a vital role in finding solutions. Expect powerful music, inspiring speeches and informative discussion.”