Christina McKelvie, Keynote Speaker at WOW Perth

WOW - the amazing Women of the World - returns to Perth for a third year on Saturday 5th October with a new conversational format, and FREE ENTRY to all events. 

The exciting day-long programme, including short films, talks, exchange, exhibition and discussion aims to connect and build on conversations across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

And to make things even more fantastic, Horsecross Arts - organisers of the 2019 WOW – What Now? - has announced Christina McKelvie MSP as the keynote speaker for this year’s event.

Ms McKelvie commented, “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.”

This festival is a great opportunity to highlight to young women the importance of their role in eradicating gender inequality through raising and using their voices.The reflective one-day WOW will be part of a series of WOW events taking place across the UK in 2019. Taking stock of gender equality globally and nationally, the programme will look at how the landscape has changed for women and girls across Scotland in particular, and will discuss solutions to the challenges that remain.

Jude Kelly CBE, The WOW Foundation’s Founder, commented,

“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.”

GALLERY

This year’s programme includes 100 minutes of short films curated by the Take One Action Film Festival, WOW Bites from White Ribbon Scotland, Janet Fenton, nuclear disarmament activist, and Susan Townsley from the Gypsy/ Traveller community in conjunction with MeCOPP.

Additionally, the Big Thinkin will invite the audience to discuss various topics including violence against women, racism, self-image, sexuality and economic disparity.

The event finale welcomes the Saltire Society’s Outstanding Women of Scotland to Perth Theatre for the first time, where ten women will be inducted into the OWS community.  Previous inductees have included First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, singer-song writer and activist Annie Lennox and playwright Jo Clifford.

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 eventAlexandra 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 which 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.”

WOW - Women of the World Festival is presented in partnership with The WOW Foundation and Horsecross Arts. Tickets for all events and workshops on the day are free but limited, and can be booked via Horsecross.co.uk. 

Booking Free Tickets for WOW - What Now?

All events are free to attend but you must book tickets to ensure you have a seat! There are three seperate events requiring booking with links below:

1. Take One Action Film Festival : Book Here >>>
2. The Big Thinkin including Christina McKelvie Keynote and WOW Bites : Book Here >>>
3. The Saltire Society's Outstanding Women of Scotland : Book Here >>> 

Why choose Perth for WOW - What Now?

Horsecross Arts has previously hosted two WOW - Women of the World festivals, both funded by Spirit of 2012.  Following the success of these, Perth has been chosen as one of only ten cities in the UK, and the first in Scotland, to partner with The WOW Foundation for the next stage of their important work.  

The WOW Foundation

The WOW Foundation was created by Jude Kelly CBE in 2018 to run the global movement that is WOW - Women of the World Festivals. The Festivals began in the UK in 2010, launched by Kelly at Southbank Centre London, where she was Artistic Director, to celebrate women and girls, taking a frank look at what prevents them from achieving their potential, raising awareness globally of the issues they face, and discussing solutions together.