Karachi, January 26, 2026: 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, Karachi, marking a decade of WOW in Pakistan. The two-day festival, free and open to the public, attracted more than 12,500 attendees.
The festival opened with a high-profile keynote session featuring British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, Senator Sherry Rehman, WOW Foundation Founder Director Jude Kelly, CBE, and senior journalist and writer Mahnaz Rahman. The discussion, moderated by journalist Sidra Iqbal, set the tone for two days of dialogue, debate, and celebration centered on women’s voices, leadership, and creativity.
The programme included a wide range of activities, such as thought-provoking panels, interactive workshops, film screenings, immersive performances, vibrant marketplaces, and live music, offering participants a unique and inclusive cultural experience.
Speaking at the event, Jane Marriott CMG OBE said empowering women and girls remains central to the UK’s partnership with Pakistan. She noted that as WOW completes 10 years in the country, the festival continues to highlight the creativity, resilience, and leadership of Pakistani women and girls, while creating space for open conversations, bold ideas, and cross-generational collaboration to advance gender equality.
Laila Jamil, Director Arts South Asia at the British Council, said WOW’s growth over the years has been driven not by spectacle but by intention, careful listening, and a deep respect for local voices. She thanked artists, speakers, partners, volunteers, and participants for shaping the festival over the past decade and reaffirmed the importance of the arts during times of challenge and change.
Helen Silvester, Regional Director South Asia at the British Council, described the 2026 edition as particularly special, marking WOW’s 10th anniversary in Pakistan. She said the British Council has played a central role in ensuring WOW is not just an event but a movement that connects local talent with global ideas and transforms creativity into confidence and opportunity.
The British Council also announced that 2026 will mark the 10th anniversary of the reopening of its libraries in Karachi and Lahore, to be celebrated with a special series of activities and events. The libraries continue to serve as vibrant hubs for learning, research, and cultural engagement.
Over the past decade, WOW in Pakistan has evolved into a powerful platform for dialogue, creativity, and social change, bringing together thousands of women and girls across cities, campuses, and communities, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
