Lahore, 3 Feb 2025 – The 8th edition of the British Council’s WOW – Women of the World Festival, presented in collaboration with key partners including the WOW Foundation, UNFPA and Entrepreneurship and Community Development Institute (ECDI) concluded on Sunday 2 February 2025, at the Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore.
The two-day festival, free and open to the public, attracted an audience of over 12,000 attendees.This year’s festival marked the second consecutive WOW Festival in Lahore, following its expansion from Karachi and Hunza in previous years.
The programme featured an exciting blend of panels, workshops, film screenings, immersive performances, a vibrant marketplace, and children’s activities. Attendees were treated to remarkable performances, including a female qawali curated by Arieb Azhar, a tribute to Haniya Aslam by Rakae Jamil, and a dance performance by Suhai Abro.
Literary enthusiasts enjoyed readings by Attiya Dawood and Zambeel, while families were delighted by Khaled Anam’s interactive pop-up. The festival also showcased a public mural of impactful women by Summaiya Jillani and premiered a film on women in the arts by Destination Media, making it an unforgettable celebration of women’s contributions to Pakistani society and beyond.
Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director, British Council Pakistan, said:
“The WOW Festival continues to be a platform for addressing some of the most critical gender issues of our time. It has been inspiring to witness the courage and resilience of women in Pakistan who are leading the charge for change. Empowering women is not just a women’s issue—it is everyone’s issue, and together we can create a more equitable and inclusive world.”
Laila Jamil, Director Arts, British Council Pakistan, said:
“WOW Pakistan celebrates the resilience, talent, and potential of women while offering a powerful platform for dialogue and action. This year’s theme, Surkhaab, is a tribute to women’s intrinsic worth and a reminder of the value they bring to our communities, families, and societies. It was great to see such a huge turnout for the festival in Lahore. The British Council remains committed to fostering inclusivity, gender empowerment and providing platforms to each and every Pakistani to raise their voices for a better tomorrow!”
During the festival discussions explored critical topics such as mental health, climate change, education, women in public spaces, the digital divide, patriarchy, and disability, reflecting the multifaceted challenges women face today. WOW Pakistan forms a vital part of the British Council’s long-standing commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality in Pakistan.
This year’s festival once again underscored the power of collaboration in breaking barriers and creating inclusive spaces for women and girls in Pakistan.
