WOW – Women of the World presents an evening filled with optimism, determination and laughter to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024.

Led by WOW’s Founder Jude Kelly, the evening will open with a state of the nation, sweeping through the joys and challenges for women, girls and non-binary people today, and report back from recent WOWs in Turkey and Pakistan. Jude will introduce some amazing stories of courage as women fight the rise of gender injustice in countries across the world, suffer direct Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan and Iran, or experience the atrocities that began with the terrible violence enacted on October 7th and has now built to a horrific onslaught on the lives of women and children in Gaza. There are 150 armed conflicts currently being waged globally and women are always the collateral damage in all conflict zones and invasions. Despite this there are still thousands of examples of triumphant achievements that embolden us all and Jude will bring into focus how all our stories are interconnected.

Jude will then be joined on stage by best-selling author Elif Shafak, writer Liv Little and writer and performer Jordan Stephens, who'll reflect on what it means to stand up for what you believe on a global scale, in your community and in your personal life. Elif will talk about writing and ending human rights violations against women and girls. Liv will talk about queer love, why stories drive her - and what happens when they can't get out into the world, and Jordan will talk about the role of men and boys in creating a gender equal world - and how to even have the conversation.

In the second half of the evening, we look at history, putting into the spotlight just a few of the 101 Objects that have shaped women's lives over the history of time, in the launch of Annabelle Hirsch's book - now groundbreaking audiobook - A History of Women in 101 Objects. Martha Wainwright, Salena Godden and Anita Rani read the stories of these extraordinary, powerful and sometimes hilarious objects - and we ask, as we look at the objects and ideas in the world right now - how do we want to be remembered? Expect joy, intrigue and laughter – and history like you’ve never heard it before.

To celebrate the launch of the A History of Women in 101 Objects audiobook, Audible and Canongate will give each ticket holder an exclusive free download (worth £35).

This event will be BSL interpreted. Audiences can move around, make noise and leave the room, and access our Quiet Space.

Proceeds from the event will support Refuge and the vital work of WOW’s Global network with women, girls and non-binary people.

This event is supported by Audible.