WOW Brisbane 2015

Overview

Brisbane, prepare to be WOWed. There's no other way to describe the Women of the World festival, an event that celebrates the achievements of women and tackles the barriers that hold ladies back. It's also the festival's name, of course.

WOW started in London in 2011, and now takes place in 24 cities around the globe. Its first ever stopover in Brisbane is something special, and it has the program to prove it. Stars, scientists, writers, artists, business leaders and more all feature in a three-day showcase of girl power. Jude Kelly, the festival's creator, is on the bill, for those keen to hear from WOW's main woman herself — and she's joined by everyone from Kath and Kim’s Jane Turner to feminist funny woman Kathy Lette.

They'll be sharing insights and dissecting issues, on topics as varied as women in technology, ladies leading the way in business, modern perceptions of sex, the scrutiny of appearance that comes with fame, and the process of ageing. The workshop lineup dives into journalism, coding, scriptwriting, self defence and combatting everyday sexism, among others, and also includes a daily dance session.

Through this wide-ranging array of speakers, subjects and sessions, WOW endeavours to inform and inspire, an aim it looks like it has well and truly covered. The festival also attempts to leave a long-lasting legacy through conversations, networks and instilling the belief that change can happen. Now, that's a wow moment.