The WOW Fest explored the issues of women, sexuality, disability, gender violence, the laws necessary to negotiate women’s rights and equality Some people were silently listening to the discussions going on, some were busy getting their faces painted, while some were eating, and some holding placards with ‘I stand for a cause’ printed on them and busy taking photographs in the Nepal Administrative Staff College, Jawalakhel on February 18 at WOW — Women of the World Festival. The festival convened by Jude Kelly, Founder of WOW and Artistic Director of Southbank Centre in partnership with the British Council celebrated women and girls. The event had talks, discussions, bites, workshops and mentoring along with various stalls. WOW brought together women from all strata of life from different societies. There were talks on sexuality and disability, gender-based violence, trafficking of girls, among others. The talks that took place on the main stage caught the attention of the audiences as they were lively with serious discussions of how women have been marginalised in the name of religion, culture, tradition, power play, and how law can act as a tool for equality, how it can be helpful in uplifting the life of women, among others. The discussions also shed light on how stereotypical ideas can be changed in society. Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla opined, “Law can enter your home, your bed. But if we have no law, then we don’t have right to negotiate sexuality. How will one empower women if a country lacks law?” The discussions also raised voices on the issues of women with disabilities and their status in society, women in technology, trafficking and forced labour, among others. The panel discussions also raised questions on the types of violence. It highlighted how poor, uneducated, women with no political and social security were more prone to violence. The talks also highlighted the nature of violence in terms of religion, culture, geographical variation, et cetera. The speakers in the event were from all areas — media, women working for women, et cetera. WOW Bites, another inspiring talk from women of different strata of life,  came up with stories of women, their struggles, their efforts and their achievements. It also came up with stories of women who have been able to break the boundaries while breaking all stereotypes of ‘being a woman’. Nidhi Goyal, who is working on sexuality and disability rights of women in India, Jayanti Kuru-Utumpala, the first Sri Lankan to climb Mount Everest, Sophie Sunuwar, Nepal’s first transgender make-up artist among others shared their success stories. Not just the talk shows, there was a group of participants introducing themselves with dance moves in one of the halls. They felt shy when Gomawati Pun, Founding Chairperson and Executive Director of Women Forum for Women in Nepal, told the participants to introduce themselves with dance moves. It was dance therapy. The participants then enjoyed the dance steps helping them relax and be energetic. Some people were busy drawing their superhero character of women. Some painted a bindi that would act like a laser, women with wings, multitasking, et cetera. Musical performances by Sheetal Moktan, The Kathmandu Killers and Abhaya and the Steam Injuns were also a part of the festival. There were dances too to entertain the crowd. “The event is all about celebrating women and girls, everything they have done and will do. We are trying to associate talking about gender equality and talking about the rights of women and girls with good feeling of celebration and philosophy,” informed Domino Pateman, Senior Programmer, WOW-Women of the World Festival. Krishna Prasad Humagain, a civil servant who attended the event felt, “The event tried to empower all with their success stories, but had women from remote areas been included too, it would have been more effective.”