Speaker will have WOW factor at festival
The keynote speaker for an upcoming festival celebrating women has been announced.
The Woman of the World (WOW) festival will be held this year on Saturday, October 5 at Perth Theatre, looking at gender equality globally and nationally, and how the landscape has changed for women and girls across Scotland.
Christina McKelvie MSP has been announced as this year’s keynote speaker.
She said: “Equality for women is at the heart of our vision for a fairer Scotland.
“We are proud of the progress we’ve made but there is still much more work to do.
“It is important that we continue to have conversations to challenge gender inequality and build support for change in schools, workplaces and in our homes, as well as in places where power sits and decisions are made.
“This festival is also a great opportunity to do this and to highlight to young women the importance of their role in eradicating gender inequality through raising and using their voices.”
The day-long celebration will include films, talks, , exhibitions and discussion which aims to connect and build on conversations across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Alexandra Lort Phillips, WOW Perth programmer, said: “We are delighted that Christina McKelvie MSP will be joining us this year and very much look forward to welcoming her to what promises to be a fantastic event.
“This year will see the new and exciting format, and as well as the speakers and events mentioned, we’ll be returning with WOW festival favourites such as speed mentoring, marketplace and the WOW Foundation money quiz.”
There will be over 100 minutes of short films curated by Take One Action Film Festival, WOW Bites and White Ribbon Scotland, as well as nuclear disarmament activist Janet Fenton and Susan Townsley from the Gypsy Traveller community.
There will also be a chance to discuss a number of topics such as violence against women, racism, self-image, sexuality and economic disparity.
The finale of the day will be the Saltire Society’s Outstanding Women of Scotland, where 10 women will be inducted into the community.
WOW is part of a series of events that are taking place across the UK this year.
Jude Kelly, the WOW Foundation’s founder, said: “What a pleasure to be returning to Perth for a third year, partnering with Horsecross as we develop WOW in new ways, linking the women and girls of Scotland with the work of our global movement.
“WOW brings communities together in a joyful and spirited way, providing a unique space for people to work together towards gender equality in their own communities.
“We look forward to welcoming women and girls, men and boys, from across Scotland to Perth Theatre this October.”
Tickets for all the events and workshops on the day are free but can be booked in advance via the Horsecross Arts box office on 01738 621031 or www.horsecross. co.uk