In pictures: Women Of The World Festival

The Southbank Centre’s WOW (Women of the World) Festival, Colombo was held recently in partnership with the British Council. Held for the first time in Sri Lanka, the groundbreaking two day event used a festival atmosphere together with panel discussions, film, art, music, martial arts and more-  exploring and expanding the bands of creativity to give a voice not only to women but to society’s marginalised groups as well.

The first walk down the paved path of the National Film Corporation Building and Grounds set the pace for two days of exploration- of the festival’s numerous enlightening events as well as the festival atmosphere itself. Armed with a festival bag- complete with an easy-to-use handbook in all three languages as well as a colourful map of events, one is herded on their illuminating adventure by the many helpful and equally enthusiastic volunteers.

Although the nucleus of the WOW festival was to primarily shed a light and share knowledge on women and diversity, it included sessions for children as young as seven years- proving that age is no limit to challenging stereotypes. Talks on bullying, cyber exploitation and others found feminists of all age groups and genders, friends and family coming together at the festival- a clear thumbs up for a goal achieved.