Peggy Brunache- I think there has definitely been progress for women and there have been some positive steps forward in society but despite this there are still inequalities that need to be addressed such as the gender pay gap. We still have battles and although they're not as intense as they once were, we're still fighting for equality.
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Tanya Ewing- Today's society sees women accepted as equals more so than ever before. I think people now see things very differently and we as women have more opportunities. I think that the WOW Festival and other events like this undoubtedly help women to come together and celebrate each others achievements and successes.
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Shirley Smith & Jo McFadzean- There's one women's issue we feel particularly strong about and that's late autism diagnosis among females. Autism presents itself differently in women than it does in men, and as a result it's not often picked up. I think a lot of people fear autism but it's certainly nothing to be scared of. It actually has some advantages as well as the disadvantages and I think more needs to be done to raise awareness and also to diagnose women earlier.
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Rachel Weiss - I would like women to embrace growing older, without feeling the need to pretend to be younger than we really are. By all means be creative and enjoy make up and dying your hair, but please don't feel obliged to do so. I hope I am growing in wisdom as I age. Menopause Cafe and Death Cafe aim to give women a space to talk about topics which can be considered taboo in some circles.
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Johanna Babbs-I think that it's marvellous that the Women of the World Festival is coming to Perth and that we will be hosting Scotland's first WOW event. Perth is a fantastic hub right in the centre of Scotland so it's great to welcome more events to the city.
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Pam Milner- I think we have come a long way and although there's still some shouting to be done by us women I feel like we have many more opportunities now than in the past. There are many great female role models out there who are strong and that's fantastic. Women should be proud and happy and be allowed to get out there and be themselves. Events like the WOW Festival can only help to promote women and let our voices be heard.
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Lou: I think the festival will be great for Perth and the reception has been so welcoming since we announced it. Some people said, why Perth? Well I say, why not Perth? It has fantastic facilities, an amazing appetite from both young and old people and everyone wants to talk about women positively!
Amy: I think being a woman today means we have a responsibility to celebrate other women's achievements and really get people talking up the contributions that women make in society. I also think it's our responsibility to call out any discrimination or inequalities when we see it.
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Kelly- We've always exercised but it's only been in the past few years that we've started to use weights and do strength training more. I think it's now become quite normal to see women in the gym, lifting weights and working on their muscles whereas in the past I think it was seen as a more masculine thing.
Robyn- Women feel more confident using the gym now and it's something that's accessible for all. There are also some great health benefits for ladies when they incorporate weightlifting into their workouts.
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Helen Kemp- It's great news that the Women of the World Festival is coming to Perth. It is the first WOW event in Scotland and it's great to see Perth at the forefront of these types of events. Our Menopause Cafe started in June and was the world's first so it's clear that Perth is a great place with modern values. I'm proud that we are putting Perth on the map. We may be menopausal but we are not in retreat.
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FI MUNRO- In 2016, at the age of 30 I was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. In the months that followed I lost everything I identified with as being a woman; my hair, strength, to have children and so much more. Having worked through this I now strive to help other women to embrace who they are and to love their scars (both emotional and physical) by setting an example of loving myself completely and teaching children and adults about positive self-image through my yoga classes.
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Eva Christie- I'm delighted to be considered at the forefront of Scotland's cultural activities by WOW PERTH with the creation and growth of Perth Festival of Yarn. As such, they have invited me to participate in an exclusive cultural leadership course as part of their festival.
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Charlotte Malcolm- I think it's a really good thing that Perth is getting involved with the WOW Festival and it's definitely something that I'd really like to get involved with.
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Youngest member of our WOW ladies giving girl guides a big shout out all over the world!