Judging from much of the popular media, it seems that the only time women are given attention is if they’re model – beautiful ( a given ) have split up with their husband, have a new TV show/ film/ clothing line or are sporting a new haircut. Which is why, even today, a festival celebrating women and their diverse achievements, desires and issues is so welcome.

WOW – Women of the World is the Southbank Centre’s new, annual three-day festival, which will present, recognise and celebrate women.

It’s a roll-call of an eclectic blend of strong, powerful, women, some of which happen to be model-beautiful and some ( gasp) who aren’t.

Included in the event are business networking; live music, speed mentoring, comedy, exhibitions, talks and debates, theatre and a lot of fun.

And the line-up is impressive, including Annie Lennox, VV Brown, Paloma Faith, Baaba Maal, Imogen Heap, Rosie Boycott, Sue Perkins and Shami Chakrabarti.

Taking place on the weekend following International Women’s Day (Tuesday 8 March) which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2011, WOW will be across the Southbank Centre site from 11th to 13th March.

If you’re a women, go take part and be inspired. It’s not all about your clothes and mascara ( although there will be a debate about just that led by authors Linda Grant and Kathy Lette.)

And if you’re a man – go and see some real girl power.

WOW – Women of the World at the South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, 11th – 13th March. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/women-of-the-world

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About the author

Loma-Ann Marks
Loma was a performer and freelance writer before becoming a journalist on the Daily Star Sunday, Daily Star and Express. She's the Founder and Editor of Culture Compass. North, South, East or West? I'll go anywhere. I like to think that I'm a pretty good map reader ( not everyone would agree ) but then I remind them that I navigated my way around the Paris one-way system with NO mistakes. High Class or Common or Garden? High class in the garden. Clothes or Culture? Culture in new clothes. My best night out ever made me feel....... That things would never be the same again. And they surely weren't the following day.