WOW festival continues to celebrate women leaders and raising the next

KARACHI: The Women of the World (WOW) festival is back in Karachi with its second installment. 

Organised by the British Council Pakistan in collaboration with TAF Foundation, PILER, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Institute and Saturday Studio, the event is a celebration of the identity and achievements of women and girls in view of the socioeconomic challenges that are faced by them.

Panel discussions on the first day of the festival talked about the importance of identity and self- worth, how embracing one's identity is crucial to progress and success, and how gender stereotypes stop us from embracing our true identities.

Speed mentoring sessions were aimed at professional and emotional mentoring of individuals. Women from different professions were mentoring these sessions including acting, theater, education, health, social work, science and technology.

Renowned actor Atiqa Odho shared: "There should always be a batch of women who would break the glass ceiling for theater, business and all kinds of profession. There's a need for everyone to give back to the society in the hope of creating new leaders and mentors." "Speed mentoring serves a purpose in creating the next mentors in the country," she emphasised.

The auditorium was playing some power and insight packed documentaries on the themes of emotional intelligence and the need to have conversations about emotions in order to address them. 

On the other side, in the green gardens was a packed crowd that was listening intently and occasionally rolling in laughter as the narrator would vividly describe Ismat Chughtai's work that has stood for revolutionary feminist politics and aesthetics.

Kids were excited as they entered the library for hands-on activities aimed at raising a socially conscious generation. Fun activities kept them occupied and entertained.

The highlight of the event rested on the panel discussion titled 'Women in Science and Technology' where the audience was revealed to the first Pakistani women who studied aeronautical engineering and ended up working at Formula1 for three years.

Despite Karachi's unpredictable weather and security concerns, people were flocking to the venue in large numbers. The second day of the event will continue on Sunday 3rd December.