The British Council’s WOW – Women of the World Festival, held in collaboration with Shan Foods, UNFPA, Jafferjees, Generation, Toni and Guy, Spa Ceylon, ECDI Pakistan and Olomopolo Media, concluded on January 25 at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi. The two-day festival was free and open to the public and attracted more than 12,500 attendees.
The festival opened with a high-profile keynote session featuring the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, Senator Sherry Rehman, CBE, Founder Director of the WOW Foundation, Jude Kelly, and senior journalist and writer Mahnaz Rahman. The discussion was moderated by journalist Sidra Iqbal and set the tone for two days of dialogue, debate and celebration focused on women’s voices, leadership and creativity.
The programme included a wide range of activities such as panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, immersive performances, music sessions and a vibrant marketplace. The festival created a space for meaningful conversations while celebrating art, culture and community engagement.
Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said that empowering women and girls remains central to the UK’s partnership with Pakistan. She noted that as WOW marks 10 years in Pakistan, the festival highlights the creativity, resilience and leadership of women and girls across the country. She added that the platform encourages open conversations, bold ideas and collaboration across generations and communities, calling on everyone to play a role in advancing gender equality.
Laila Jamil, Director Arts South Asia at the British Council, said WOW has grown over the years through intention rather than spectacle. She said the festival has been shaped by careful listening, artistic and intellectual freedom, and deep respect for local voices. She thanked artists, speakers, partners, volunteers and participants for contributing to the festival’s journey and emphasized the importance of the arts during times of challenge and change.
Helen Silvester, Regional Director South Asia at the British Council, described this edition as especially meaningful as it marked WOW’s 10th anniversary in Pakistan. She said the British Council has played a central role in this journey by supporting arts, education and cultural exchange, helping transform WOW into more than just an event. According to her, the festival has become a movement that connects local talent with global ideas and turns creativity into confidence and opportunity.
Looking ahead, the British Council will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of reopening its libraries in Karachi and Lahore in 2026, with a special series of activities and events. The libraries continue to serve as active hubs for learning, research and cultural engagement, providing access to books, resources and community programmes.
Over the past decade, WOW in Pakistan has evolved into a strong platform for dialogue, creativity and change, bringing together women and girls from different cities, campuses and communities, and amplifying voices that deserve greater visibility and recognition.
