Did you know it’s International Women’s Day this Sunday? To mark this important event Southbank Centre is holding its 5th annual Women of the World (WOW) Festival all this week. If you get the chance, it’s worth checking out for some lively debate, wonderful music and theatre, raucous comedy and a dazzling array of inspiring women. Covering topics from feminism, leadership and pay gaps, to rape, FGM and plastic surgery, the debates are sure to be heated and the entertainment gripping.
There’s a full agenda of events, both free and ticketed, so here are some of the top picks that we recommend.
For a good old fashioned sing along get yourself to Voicelab, a singing workshop taking place on Saturday at 1.30pm. All are welcome, singing standard regardless. Get involved and give your vocal chords a workout.
For a full body workout every day this week at 10am you can take part in Afrikan Yoga, a free event delivering rhythmic yoga with an African twist.
Music buffs wil be excited to hear that Annie Lennox will be in the house on 6 march, not singing however, but in conversation covering humanitarian issues affecting women in different parts of the world.
For some rollicking good music you’ll have to catch the ever-energetic tUnE-yArDs, gracing the stage with inventive music and food for thought.
For a bit of light humour don’t miss our favourite funny lady Caitlin Moran at 7.30pm on Saturday, alongside fellow comediennes Bridget Christie and Shazia Mirza. They’ll be comparing humorous tales of life and laughter and how they are little by little trying to change the world.
One especially popular event every year at WOW is Speed mentoring, a free event happening every day. Here, leading ladies from all manner of industries offer an opportunity to seek advice, share challenges and exchange knowledge with fellow women.
There is far more on offer all this week so check out the full line up online. And most importantly, have a great International Women’s Day, whatever your gender!