WOW Bangladesh

WOW Bangladesh has reached over 50,000 people since its launch in 2017. With events taking place across all major divisions – including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, and Rangpur – WOW has become the country’s most expansive cultural platform for women, girls and non-binary people.

Each festival is shaped by its community. Through a dynamic blend of Think Ins, curated programming, and grassroots collaboration, WOW Bangladesh reflects the lived realities of women across the country – rural and urban, young and old, mainstream and marginalised.

In February 2023, WOW Dhaka took place at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and was hailed as the largest women-focused festival in the country’s history. The two-day festival featured thought-provoking discussions, open-air performances, street theatre, pop-up markets, interactive art, and live music. Topics ranged from gender-based violence to mental health, inclusive design to digital safety.

WOW Bangladesh is also known for its wide-reaching virtual programming, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through WOW Virtual Festivals in 2020, 2021 and 2022, audiences across the country – including in remote areas – were able to participate in conversations and performances, bringing new visibility to voices often excluded from national dialogue.

At its core, WOW Bangladesh is a festival of recognition and celebration, spotlighting both the achievements and the barriers experienced by women and girls. Whether addressing systemic inequality, celebrating trailblazers, or creating space for joy and expression, WOW provides an essential cultural moment for reflection and solidarity.