SCHEDULE DETAILS Information of Event Schedules
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Textile Legacies: Launch of Sustainable Fashion Research Report
Location: Back Gallery The result of an extensive year-long study, this report delves into Pakistan’s fashion and textile industry, celebrating its rich indigenous heritage while presenting ethical solutions and actionable pathways towards a more equitable fashion future.
From Sandook to Runway: Reimaging Fashion by Somayeh Bardai
Location: Back Gallery We live in an era that has been claimed to be most consumerist and shopping centric. Restock hauls, SHEIN hauls, Temu hauls, Daraz hauls populate our feeds encouraging a cycle of consumption. But where does all this plastic go? What do we do when clothes don't even last us one season? In her talk, CEO of RLCC, Somayeh Bardai stresses on the urgent need for rehauling our consumption habits, upcycling the clothes we have and building a future for fashion that is sustainable and good for the planet.
Somayeh Bardai
Abdul Rehman in Conversation With Fatima Razzaq
Location: Back Gallery Join Abdul Rehman (founder of Aangan and researcher on fashion, indigenous cultures and literature) and Fatima Razzaq (CEO Sujag) for a conversation on the journey behind compiling the report – Textile Legacies: Mapping the Sustainable Fashion Ecosystem in Pakistan. This will include insights, anecdotes and lessons from an extensive fieldwork spanning both sides of the fashion divide/continuum – urban industrial hubs and multiple dozen locations across rural Punjab and Sindh and a discussion on (reviving) locally inspired and readily implementable solutions to achieving sustainability in Pakistan’s fashion and textile industry.
Abdul Rehman
Fatima Razzaq
Gup Shup - Storytime and Song
Location: Central Garden Join Khaled Anam, an award-winning artist, and storyteller, on a journey through Urdu stories from our childhood that bring cherished memories to life. With his unmatched ability to revive the characters and tales of yore, Anam weaves narratives that spark curiosity and imagination in young minds while preserving the beauty of our language and cultural heritage. Drawing on his rich experience in theatre, music, and literature, he reintroduces the timeless *kahanis* of our *nanis* and *dadis*, ensuring that these lessons and traditions resonate with the next generation. Through his masterful storytelling, rediscover the magic of Urdu narration and celebrate the richness of our collective past.
Khaled Anam
The Surkhaab's Flight: Ecstatic Dance with Saba Rana
Location: Front Gallery Inspired by the Surkhab, a bird symbolizing transformation, freedom, and spiritual ascent. This 1-hour healing experience will guide you inward. Through breath work, somatic practices, trauma release techniques, ECSTATIC DANCE, and guided meditation, you’ll have the opportunity to release what no longer serves you and reconnect with your true essence. This session is designed for those who are seeking: •Emotional clarity and release •A deeper connection with themselves •Joyful movement and freedom •Personal growth and transformation
Saba Rana
I Stood Among the Bodies
Location: Hall 2
Shakira, a brave girl from Hazara ethnicity, is an athlete with many Gold Medals in Karate. She was one of the victims in the 2013 Hazara Town Blast in Quetta. Despite that horrific event, and the patriarchal pressure on her not to pursue her passion in karate, Shakira continues to stand tall and firm in her determination.
Safar Ali Danish
Inclusion Matters - Awaaz II
Location: Hall 2 Aawaz II panel discussion will include community leaders and champions who led efforts to bring social change in their communities for reducing harmful practices affecting women and girls. Members of Aawaz II village forums are local volunteers from marginalised groups such as women, religious minorities, persons with disabilities and transgender persons. They often do not have opportunities to be visible and share their achievements and efforts for changing conservative customary practices. WOW Festival will be an exciting platform for community members, from different districts of KP and Punjab, for sharing their stories and experiences with urban, semi urban audience, artists and others.
Rafat Yasmeen
Jahanzeb Javeed (Zabo)
Ahtsham Younas
Farva Hussain
Fizza Tasleem
پرِ سرخاب کا راز Par-e-Surkhaab Ka Raaz (The Secret of Surkhaab’s Feather - A Potions Lab) with The STEM Lab
Location: Central Garden
At the heart of the WOW Festival Surkhaab is the celebration of women and girls as powerful creators, thinkers, and change-makers.
“Par-e-Surkhaab Ki Justaju” brings this philosophy to life through an exciting SCAVENGER HUNT designed to ignite curiosity and inspire discovery.
In this thrilling adventure, young explorers—especially girls—will step into the role of fearless scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators. They will work together to solve creative challenges and unravel hidden clues, leading them to the grand finale: a spectacular Elephant Toothpaste Explosion!
This explosive reaction symbolizes how even the smallest spark of curiosity can lead to bold, beautiful outcomes when fueled by confidence and imagination. The hunt encourages every participant, especially girls, to embrace science, exploration, and leadership—empowering them to see themselves as future innovators and changemakers.
Mehek Rashad
Ayesha Inam
Chog Kusambey Di (Punjabi Play) Artivism Academy
Location: Hall 1
"Chog Kusambey Di" (Picking up Safflowers) is a powerful and evocative play by Punjabi poet Najm Hosain Syed. Inspired by Bulleh Shah’s kafi, the play unearths the harsh realities of women who labor tirelessly to pick kusamba (safflower) flowers- valuable for their red dye yet difficult to harvest due to thorny stems. These women, bound by poverty and systemicexploitation, endure oppression from feudal lords, traders, and accountants who profit from their toil while offering meager compensation.However, this tale of sorrow becomes a narrative of transformation. As the women confront the injustices imposed by figures like Malik Sahib, Mian Sahib, and the patwari, they awaken to their collective strength. Realizing that no external savior will rescue them, they rise together as the agents of their liberation. The play crescendos into a jubilant celebration of empowerment, rejecting submission, and reclaiming dignity in the face of oppressive forces.Through poetic storytelling and striking performances, "Chog Kusambey Di" transcends time, drawing parallels between the historical exploitation of flower pickers and the modern struggles of marginalized workers. It is a tribute to resilience, solidarity, and the unyielding spirit of women who dare to rewrite their destiny.
Aleeza Fatima
Jayaa Jaggi
Farah Nadeem
Kanwal Ehsaan
Momina Farooq khan
Noman Khalid
Shafqat husain
Shamsa Hussain
Aaminah Sulaiman
Salma Q & A with Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA representative
Location: Hall 2
Salma, a UNFPA original film, follows the life and dream of a young girl from a rural background who is married at a very early age. The film shows her struggle with the weight of her marital responsibility and with the loss of her dreams. She has to forgo her education and any chances she had choosing her destiny. While her older husband tries to make a go of the marriage, social pressures, inherent biases and cultural stigma force them into decisions that they are not ready for.
Mariyam Nawaz
Dr. Luay
Spread Your Wings: Dynamics of Gender and Power
Location: Back Gallery
An interactive workshop that encourages participants to reflect on the weight of expectations. Start with a discussion on common expectations placed on women, where the group will reflect on how it feels to be in that situation (e.g. perfect wife, women prioritising family over career etc), the impact of these expectations on self-worth and the role men can play in supporting women who face these pressures. This can be followed by an activity where participants can write one quality or strength they feel contributes to their sense of self worth (men can write a quality they admire in women around them). These strengths can then be placed on a Surkhaab shaped mural/cutout (the bigger it is the better) and displayed somewhere centrally. Others can be encouraged to add on to this mural/cutout thing throughout the festival. We can also have an “action” section as well where we encourage participants to share one action they’ll commit to either for themselves or in support of others.
Izzah Meyer
Wardrobe Solution Specialist is in the House! Redesign, Reuse and Redefine What It Means to Rethink Your Style
Location: Burney Garden
An interactive workshop that encourages participants to reflect on the weight of expectations. Start with a discussion on common expectations placed on women, where the group will reflect on how it feels to be in that situation (e.g. perfect wife, women prioritising family over career etc), the impact of these expectations on self-worth and the role men can play in supporting women who face these pressures. This can be followed by an activity where participants can write one quality or strength they feel contributes to their sense of self worth (men can write a quality they admire in women around them). These strengths can then be placed on a Surkhaab shaped mural/cutout (the bigger it is the better) and displayed somewhere centrally. Others can be encouraged to add on to this mural/cutout thing throughout the festival. We can also have an “action” section as well where we encourage participants to share one action they’ll commit to either for themselves or in support of others.
Mariam Mizaji
Corporate Changemakers: Levelling the Playing Field!
Location: Hall 2 Join Fiza Farhan CEO ORA Global Development Advisors and Mohammad Khosa, CEO of PepsiCo Pakistan & Afghanistan at WOW 2025 to hear their experiences on male allyship driving cultural shifts in Pakistan. This fireside chat will explore how to build inclusive cultures that overcome unconscious biases, champion women’s leadership and celebrate their successes while actively addressing systemic barriers.
Mohammad Khosa
Fiza Farhan
Location: Patio The Speed Mentoring session will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Mentors will be seated in circles, and mentees will rotate in groups of 4 every 15 minutes. A host will introduce the session, explain the mentoring ground rules, and keep time (signalling transitions with a bell). This is a mentee-led process where the mentors’ experience and guidance will help mentees explore their own solutions to challenges they face. Mentors will be there to help mentees clarify their thoughts and encourage them to develop new perspectives.
Muntakhab Tehreerain: Ismat Chughtai aur Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi Presented By Zambeel
Location: Central Garden
Zambeel Dramatic Readings was founded with a view to present texts from Urdu literature in a dramatised form to a live audience, creating a dynamic collusion between literature and performance. Referencing traditions of storytelling and the contemporary form of the radio play, the productions traverse time and geographical boundaries to interpret and enliven narratives through sound and recitation. The Zambeel performers imbue texts with a poignant expressive quality and perform narratives that are supported by a soundscape, enriching the aural experience of the audience through acoustics and narration. Zambeel Dramatic Readings was founded by Mahvash Faruqi, Asma Mundrawala and Saife Hasan in 2011. The word Zambeel Referencing the legendary tales of the Hamzanama, the Zambeel is a furry bag of tricks that belonged to Umar Ayyar (also written as Amar), a trickster and loyal companion to Amir Hamza, the hero of the Hamzanama. Alluding to the magical properties of this bag that yielded boundless possibilities, the choice of the word Zambeel suggests not just its infinite nature, but also its relationship to the enduring tradition of storytelling.
Saife Hasan
Asma Mundarwala
Pattay ki Baat-UNFPA Game
Location: Burney Garden
In Pakistan, many adolescents aged 12 to 22 have limited knowledge of topics like gender-based violence (GBV), health and well-being, child marriage, and gender equality. These topics are often considered taboo, resulting in limited discussion and understanding. While initiatives have largely focused on empowering girls, there is little emphasis on providing boys with opportunities to learn about these topics from a broader perspective. To address this gap, UNFPA, in partnership with School of Leadership Foundation and Gogi Studios developed the “Pattay Ki Baat” board game. Designed as an interactive tool, the game addresses key themes, including gender-based violence (GBV), health and well-being, child marriage, and gender equality, while promoting open discussions between boys and girls. By providing a safe and engaging space, the game aims to break down barriers and normalize conversations about these important social topics.
Justice Saman Imtiaz in Conversation With Aaminah Qadir
Location: Hall 1 Riffat's appointment as a Judge in the IHC is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan's judiciary and marks the increasing role of women in Pakistan's judicial and legal fields.
Justice Saman
Aaminah Qadir
Crafting Conversations: Visual, Tone and Word With Dr. Maryam Rab
Location: Back Gallery This Baithak will be a conversation with Dr. Rab and the students she has engaged with at the Capsule event. It will have some focused activities around what they learnt abput impactful conversations, how they have impleemented them and what they think of the conversations happening at WOW Festival 2025.
Dr. Maryam Rab
I Dream of the Multiverse
Location: Hall 2 Step into a conversation where feminist visions shape the future of leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology. This panel explores how women are innovating across industries while challenging systemic barriers and reimagining what’s possible in a rapidly evolving world. From navigating the intersections of gender, race, and class to embracing adaptive leadership and sustainable entrepreneurship, the discussion will examine how technology can amplify women's voices and ideas. Together, we’ll chart the paths to a multiverse where women lead with purpose, inclusivity drives innovation, and equity is at the core of every decision. Join us to envision bold futures and define the next chapter of collective progress
Jahan Ara Nabi
Sara Nisar (Ag-Acumen/WEDU)
Maria Umar
Faiza Yousuf
Dholki: Community Beats
Location: Central Garden Getting together as if participating in the tradition of ‘Dholki’ as popular among the folk of the various regions of Pakistan except this session will be predominantly Punjabi and Serieki. The Dholki is also traditionally celebrated by the women folk whose collective singing is loud, harmonious and melodious - reflecting the undeniable strength of the women collective.
Saleema Jawwad
Libraries as Safe Spaces for Women
Location: Burney Garden Libraries function as crucial third spaces, offering women a refuge beyond home and work where they can build communities. Through initiatives like digital curation, climate storytelling, and literature-driven activism, these spaces create a sense of belonging. Through focusing on accessibility, conversation, and empowerment, they help ensure that women feel safe, heard, and valued—reinforcing just how important third spaces are in shaping inclusive societies.
Sara Hassan
Aliza Khalid
Ayza Khan
Awais Malik
Scaling New Heights
Location: Hall 2 Anum Uzair, a Pakistani mountaineer and adventurer, whose expeditions challenge patriarchal norms and colonial legacies while reclaiming the breathtaking landscapes of her homeland comes to WOW. With every climb and journey, Anum creates space for women in places they have long been told they do not belong, proving that exploration and adventure are fundamental rights for all. Her story weaves through the rugged northern wilderness of Pakistan, where she highlights the inequities in access to the mountains. While foreign teams often dominate the country’s peaks, local adventurers like Anum must overcome significant barriers. Her pioneering climbs are more than personal achievements; they are acts of decolonization, reconnecting young Pakistanis to the ancestral lands of their majestic mountains. But Anum’s adventures don’t stop there. Recently, she embarked on a solo journey to the Thar Desert, immersing herself in the vibrant landscapes and resilient communities of Sindh. In Karachi, she broke new ground by participating in the city’s first international marathon, underscoring her commitment to pushing boundaries, both physical and societal. Anum’s story is one of resilience and courage. Through her endeavors, she inspires a new generation to view the mountains, deserts, and cityscapes not just as places to explore but as integral to their identity and heritage. Reimagining beauty from pressure to empowerment: In a world where media and culture often define beauty through narrow, unattainable standards, women face immense pressure to conform, leading to challenges in self-esteem and mental health. This thought-provoking discussion delves into the transformative power of body positivity and self-acceptance, questioning traditional beauty ideals and celebrating the diversity of all body types. It will also examine the dual role of social media—how it both perpetuates harmful narratives and empowers movements for self-love, inclusivity, and community building. Join us to reimagine beauty as a source of empowerment rather than limitation
Anum Uzair
Reimagining Beauty from Pressure to Empowerment
Location: Hall 2 In a world where media and culture often define beauty through narrow, unattainable standards, women face immense pressure to conform, leading to challenges in self-esteem and mental health. This thought-provoking discussion delves into the transformative power of body positivity and self-acceptance, questioning traditional beauty ideals and celebrating the diversity of all body types. It will also examine the dual role of social media—how it both perpetuates harmful narratives and empowers movements for self-love, inclusivity, and community building. Join us to reimagine beauty as a source of empowerment rather than limitation.
Baemisal
Feeding Hope
Location: Hall 2 Rukhsana wants to share her vision for a future where no one goes to bed hungry and discuss practical strategies for tackling food insecurity. This bite will highlight her journey as the Chairperson of Rukh Foundation and Rizq Trust, where she has dedicated over 35 years to philanthropy and community service, leading initiatives in education, food security, and sustainable development.
Rukhsana Sahiba
The Hidden Half-UNFPA
Location: Hall 2 Join Dr.Luay Shabaneh and Dr. Durre Nayab to explore the hidden economic value of women's unpaid work in Pakistan. From household chores to caregiving, these invisible tasks sustain the economy but limit women's access to paid employment. Dr Luay highlights how this makes for missed opportunities for women and girls as Dr. Nayab reveals how quantifying this labour highlights gender disparities and the need for inclusive policies. Discover how recognizing this contribution can drive gender equity and build a more balanced labour market.
Durre Nayab
Dr. Luay
Mariyam Nawaz
Starting a Freelancer Career
Location: Gallery Designed to equip women with the skills and confidence needed to succeed as freelancers, providing a pathway to financial independence and professional fulfillment.
Faiza Yousuf
Flash Mob
Location: Central Garden Flash mob performance to make people move and think about the inherent power and poetry of body movement and to have FUN .
Sometimes Even the Shore Drowns
Location: Hall 2 Showcase award-winning Nepali film "Sometimes Even the Shore Drowns" on climate change by Mahera Omer.
Mahera Omer
On the Wings of Words: Poetry Reading by Attiya Dawood
Location: Hall 2 Words have power! Dive into thought-provoking readings on gender discrimination and empowerment that challenge stereotypes and ignite change. Experience the poetry of Attiya Dawood, a celebrated Sindhi poet whose work has been translated into multiple languages.
Attiya Dawood
Chaurangi: 4 Directions of Love A Qawwali Recital
Location: Hall 1 Sufi performances often blend music, poetry, and dance to create a transcendent experience that connects participants with the divine. The essence of sufi music is to express love, devotion, and spiritual longing, often utilizing traditional instruments like the dholak, tabla, and sitar. Performances will be delivered by emerging women qawwals, with music related to the overall festival theme.
Saba Butt
Tehseen Sakina
Gulshan Jehan
Women of Impact: A Public Tribute
Location: In Front Of Patio As a public artist, Summaiya will begin the mural with a prominent portrait of one of her favorite women leaders, such as Asma Jahangir. As people gather, she will encourage them to join her on the canvas by sharing ideas about their favorite female heroes. They can do this by searching for photos on their phones and drawing with her. Participants will have the opportunity to paint the clothing of the women she has already drawn, while the faces will remain boldly outlined in markers for a cohesive look throughout the canvas. For those who may feel less confident in their drawing skills, she will invite them to share the name of their favorite female hero, and she will draw her for them. Additionally, everyone will be encouraged to draw feminist symbols and write down their favorite quotes celebrating women’s empowerment.
Summaiya Jillani
Telescope Activity
Location: Patio Cosmic Perspective is thrilled to bring an interactive and educational astronomical experience to the WoW Pakistan Festival on February 1st and 2nd, 2025. Aligned with our mission to make the cosmos accessible to the public, we will showcase the capabilities of modern telescopic technology through two distinct observation sessions. During the day, attendees can safely observe the Sun’s surface using our Lunt Solar 60mm H-Alpha Telescope, revealing captivating solar phenomena like sunspots and prominences while learning about solar dynamics and space science. In the evening, we will offer breathtaking views of celestial objects such as the Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mars with our advanced Celestron Edge-HD 8 Telescope equipped with the CGEM II mount, providing unparalleled clarity and stability. Guided by our expert team, festival-goers will gain fascinating insights into these celestial wonders, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for space exploration. This unique experience aims to engage and educate attendees of all ages, inspire interest in science, and create lasting memories that blend education with entertainment.
Aamna Saleem
Zal:Reel Identity
Location: Gallery 1 Tasweerghar will curate a photography exhibition by Aiman Amin that centers on a deeply personal and cultural exploration of Balochi women's lives. The exhibit features a series of photographs, including self-portraits of the artist, with embroidered motifs serving as powerful stamps of identity. Another series of with portraits of Baloch matriarchs in their stark local environments follows, photographs of the women in the places they inhabit, and video footage capturing their everyday lives. Aiman Amin’s work is inspired by archival photographs and oral histories of Baloch women across generations, particularly within her family. Her photography blends historical references with contemporary reinterpretations to document and celebrate the visual representation of Balochi women. It also pays homage to fading traditions, such as Balochi embroidery and the legacy of face tattoos, offering a poignant reflection on cultural memory and resilience. Through this series, Aiman, herself a Baloch woman, positions Balochi women as protagonists of their own stories—central figures of discovery, storytelling, and strength.
Aiman Amin
Rabbania Shirjeel
MARKETPLACE
Location: Patio
The Art of Digital Literacy
Location: Hall 2 A panel discussion featuring the 2023 and 2024 British Council Action Research Grant Winners on “The Age of Digital Literacy,” with a focus on women’s leadership and digital innovation in education. The discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities in the digital age, particularly for women, and discuss strategies to empower women to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Namrah Malik
Aisha Shahzadi
Sarah Ahmer
Mahalika
Location: Hall 1
Mahelika” a short documentary tells the story of a young female prized footballer whoplays for the Lyari Women’s Football Academy in Lyari, Karachi Pakistan.
Coined, “Little Brazil” Lyari is well known for its strong and skilled football players and love of the sport. However the dreams and opportunities of a female player can often be snuffed out due to societal and cultural restraints.
“Mahelika” shows us that with the support and dedication of our friends and loved ones, anyone can defy the odds.
Farah Naz Baloch
Art For Change
Location: Central Garden Nadia Amjad, a Child Psychologist and Art Therapist, will lead a therapeutic session specifically designed for children with special needs. The session integrates various art-based activities—such as sensory art exploration, creative drawing and painting, group mural creation, mindful coloring, and group card activities to encourage emotional expression, sensory integration, and cognitive development. Each activity is tailored to enhance fine motor skills, communication, social interaction, and emotional well-being, providing a safe, engaging space for self-expression, teamwork, and relaxation. This session aims to empower children through the transformative power of art, fostering their creativity and emotional resilience.
Nadia Amjad
Learn to Soar
Location: Back Gallery Dance workshop focusing on getting people to feel their way through their body. Working through emotion and centereing onseself through the experiance
Suhaee Abroo
Empowered Voices : Young Women Leaders in Climate Action
Location: Hall 2 This conversation will be in Urdu and will focus on connecting with young people who generally dont have access to elite spaces where conversations around climate change take place. This panel will be around climate impact and what can be done to change it on an individual level and will specifically geared towards young people. This will be part of the programme that focuses on how to engage with young people around climate, what we can tell them about personal agency as well as how to build these conversations in their communities. The parameters for who is to do this talk are: Individuals advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment. Individuals and groups working on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Individuals who can influence climate policies and allocate resources.Researchers studying climate change, gender studies, and related fields.
Zoha Naveed
Sundus Bibi
Maha Husain
Muqadas Abbasi
Zomehr Fatima
Women in the Arts
Location: Hall 1 Inspired by the affidavit paper, a ubiquitous presence in South Asian culture, I transform these everyday emblems into intricate artworks on textile. This film masterfully weaves together the worlds I inhabit - my studio, where innovation and experimentation reign, and my village, where tradition, community, and the cultural significance of affidavit paper converge. The filmmakers have skillfully captured the depth and layers of the work. Watch as this poignant film takes you on a journey that harmoniously blends heritage and creativity, revealing the beauty in the intersections of tradition and innovation.
Bushra Waqas Khan
Imran Sajid
Wardha Shabbir
پرِ سرخاب کی جستجو Par-e-Surkhaab Ki Justuju (The Pursuit of the Surkhaab’s Feathers) With The STEM Lab
Location: Central Garden
Enter Par-e-Surkhaab Ka Raaz - the inclusive Magical Potions Lab, where science transforms into magic! Young creators—especially girls—will mix, fizz, and bubble their way through exciting experiments, discovering the wonder of chemistry in every colorful potion.
Inspired by the WOW Festival Surkhaab, this hands-on experience empowers girls to explore, create, and see themselves as future scientists and innovators.
Ayesha Inam
Mehek Rashad
Women as Guardians of Living Heritage With Mariam Saleem Farooqi
Location: Back Gallery The period between 2007 – 2015 was a time of deteriorating security across Pakistan, including major urban centers. As terrorist attacks increased in frequency, the urban landscape changed in response. Walls rose higher, barbed wires got sharper, and public activities such as concerts and festivals began to shrink away. Culture became the collateral damage in this war. In this baithak, we will explore the impact of this loss on women. Women who are creative professionals, as well as women who are consumers and connoisseurs of culture. In our conversation, we will unpack what impact it had on youth to have lost access to public cultural activities, and what women did at the time (and after) to rebuild and regain safe spaces for creative and artistic expression. We will share stories of perseverance and resilience, which highlight the significance of art, culture, and living heritage for a healthy, thriving society, and the role women have played in safeguarding cultural memory and living heritage.
Mariam Saleem Farooqi
Anokhay Parents
Location: Hall 2 Maryam has created the empowered parenting program and talks about how parenting makes all the difference in our internal voices. Talking about breaking generational trauma and creating resilence. This conversaition will focus on how parents actually making kids beive that they have 'surkhaab ke par' makes all the differnce. Maryam is a published author, trauma-informed Parent Coach and founder of TPEP (The Parent Empowerment Project) where she empowers and educates parents and teachers about Respectful Parenting and mental health with the lens of the most cutting edge neuroscience findings. Maryam has completed her Masters' degree in Human Services Counseling with Trauma focus from Liberty University in Virginia, U.S. She is also certified in Trauma Counseling from CTRI, Canada. She has an associate's in Psychology and bachelors' in Software Engineering. With her formal education in Psychology, Clinical Mental Health, Play Therapy, Neurobiology of Trauma and Mindfulness she is equipped with knowledge and tools to help parents and other caretakers break generational trauma cycles and become safe humans. This safety created by caretakers makes the kind of environment that children can truly thrive in.
Maryam Munir
Mina Malik
Reframing the Gaze: How Media Shapes Gender, Culture, and Progress
Location: Hall 1 Media and advertising are powerful tools that shape our culture and reflect societal norms. Nearly three-quarters of people agree that advertising influences how we perceive each other. Over the decades, the portrayal of women in ads has evolved—from the domestic, family-focused roles of the 50s and 60s to the hyper-sexualized, unattainable ideals of the 70s and 80s. While progress has been made, with women now depicted as strong and independent, nine out of ten girls still compare themselves to media images, underscoring the ongoing responsibility of brands and marketers to foster positive representation. But is there a tangible benefit for brands in embracing these modern portrayals beyond social responsibility? Research suggests there is: ads that feature progressive, empowering representations of women resonate better with audiences and improve business outcomes. The conversation extends to the broader cultural impact, as brands move from catering to the “male gaze” to showcasing men as caretakers and equal partners, alongside women thriving in multifaceted roles. This panel, featuring female creatives and advocates, delves into these shifts, examining how campaigns have been shaped by women behind the scenes and their influence on gender norms. It will also include insights from experts working in maternal and child health, exploring how positive media representations impact public health messaging and content. Together, we will uncover how advertising can challenge stereotypes, drive cultural change, and build healthier, more inclusive narratives.
Noreen Omer
Huma Mobin
Mehr Hussain
Irteza Ubaid
Shrouq Tariq
Wardrobe Solution Specialist is in the House! Redesign, Reuse and Redefine What it Means to Rethink your Style
Location: Burney Garden What we wear becomes our skin and how we face the world . Our clothes become our armour and grace as we lead our forever evolving challenging lives. Why not put our best foot forward with an awareness that what I wear makes a huge impact on my definition of success. It's all in the little tweaks that end up making a huge impact to our self-confidence.
Mariam Mizaji
Challenging Unrealistic Standards: How AI Redefines Learning, Colleg
Location: Hall 1 Teen perspectives on generative AI - a conversation moderated by Shanza Khan, Head, Ivy head Shanza and students from various educational institutes in Lahore who have their EYE on an Ivy league education. The panel will look at young people's fears and excitement about both the threat and potential of AI and how it is both changing and defining the world they live in.
Shanza Khan
Mahad Ahmad
Mydah Azhar
Zoya Azfar
SHEROs of the Wild: Women Shaping a Legacy in Nature Conservation
Location: Back Gallery This baithak brings together trailblazing women who have defied traditional career paths to serve as wildlife park rangers, working at the frontlines of conservation. Sharing their unique experiences, they’ll discuss the challenges and triumphs of preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and tackling the stereotypes women face in this unconventional field. Join us to hear powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and dedication, offering inspiration to those considering a career in wildlife protection or simply passionate about the natural world.
Sidra Allah Wasaya
Rizwana Aziz
Haseena Anbarin
Rabia Tahir
Hamera Aisha
Dr. Um-e-Habiba
Let's End Digital Violence
Location: Hall 2 Learn about safety in digital spaces with Mariam Nawaz of UNFPA. Just like walking down the street in the real world, we need to be safe in the virtual world. Having your image taken, manipulated and shared without permission is a violation of privacy, dignity, autonomy and can be a devastating experience. The feelings of fear, anxiety, loss of self-esteem and sense of powerlessness are real and enduring. And it’s women and girls who are more likely to have their images abused online. Join the fight against digital violence. Learn about how to ensure your own safety as well as that of others.
Mariyam Nawaz
Women on Wheels
Location: Hall 2 Discover how women on wheels is transforming lives through its free motorcycle training programme for women. Since 2017, over 6,600 participants have gained the skills to ride confidently, fostering independence in commuting for work, college, and beyond. This bite will highlight the programme’s journey, from teaching basic motorcycle controls to adapting training for traditional attire. Women on Wheels is empowering women across Pakistan by breaking societal barriers and promoting freedom of mobility.
Zoe Khurshid Khan
No is a Complete Sentence- Khaddija Siddique
Location: Hall 2 When we talk of Women who change the world by their resilience and courage Khadija Siddiqui is a trailblazer for all of us. In a world where we teach boys “no means yes”? They believe they are entitled to space over women, and they believe that they cannot be denied. Women pay a brutal price.It is important for men to know, that women can say NO. We cannot raise a generation of empowered women while raising boys whose masculinity is impinged with a refusal. A talk about consent, trauma and the strength to overcome it all!
Khadija Siddique
Pattay ki baat UNFPA Game
Location: Burney Garden In Pakistan, many adolescents aged 12 to 22 have limited knowledge of topics like gender-based violence (GBV), health and well-being, child marriage, and gender equality. These topics are often considered taboo, resulting in limited discussion and understanding. While initiatives have largely focused on empowering girls, there is little emphasis on providing boys with opportunities to learn about these topics from a broader perspective. To address this gap, UNFPA, in partnership with School of Leadership. Foundation and Gogi Studios developed the “Pattay Ki Baat” board game. Designed as an interactive tool, the game addresses key themes, including gender-based violence (GBV), health and well-being, child marriage, and gender equality, while promoting open discussions between boys and girls. By providing a safe and engaging space, the game aims to break down barriers and normalize conversations about these important social topics.
She-her Speaks: Voices of Empowerment by Aaminah Qadir
Location: Hall 1 Shaiher (written as She-her)- a pun on words- envisions a city of women, where women are free, empowered and have full control of their lives. Like the Surkhaab, we at She-her Pakistan, work every day to provide women knowledge of their rights to enable them to live a life of dignity and agency, free from dependency on the structures that have caged them. We strive to empower women through every case we fight to create a more equal system. Join us to learn more.
Aaminah Qadir
Bridging the Gap
Location: Hall 1 Pakistan's efforts toward closing the gender digital divide is a compelling case of consistent work on innovation, policy reform, and grassroots advocacy. This talk by Policy Advisor and faculty member, LUMS, Gulalai Khan, delves into initiatives ranging from Women's Digital Inclusion and enabling policy work to support women entrepreneurship prioritising digital through targeted policies and programmes. The challenge lies in the action and implementation of strategies and policies and how can all stakeholders join hands to make implementation a success. Additionally, the talk explores work on integrating AI with craft artisanship, empowering women to access local and global markets and redefine traditional livelihoods in the digital age by using AI ethically and intelligently. Join us to uncover the transformative potential of inclusive policy making and enabling technology to reshape Pakistan's future.
Gulalai Khan
Punching Through Barriers
Location: Hall 1 Hear about Nada's journey where she literally "punched through barriers" as a Pakistani Boxer who claimed the 54 kg bantamweight title at the National Women’s Boxing Championship in Lahore. She is recognized as Pakistan's first boxer-lawyer, balancing her legal profession with her commitment to boxing, defying limits and inspiring others to do the same.
Nada Zareen Parvez
Humanising AI for Gender Equity in South Asia
Location: Hall 2 In the digital frontier of South Asia, artificial intelligence emerges as a transformative force for women—challenging traditional barriers while revealing complex opportunities and challenges. Where as digital governance and naunces presented by technology can limit access and opportunities for women, fuelling existing inequalities, they can also prove to be liberating and a means to economic empowerment and freedom of expression. Women’s adoption to AI needs to accelerated but the perception in global south around AI integration calls for a major shift considering apprehensions around AI bias, AI skills and AI governance. This conversation is fundamental to reshaping societal narratives and creating a more inclusive technological future for Pakistan. Women stand for a culturally responsive adoption of AI and Technology where feminist tech is seen as a crucial tool in the ongoing process of global technological equity. The panel, featuring pioneering women technologists and gender experts such as Mallory Knodel and Hera Hussain, will explore this critical intersection.They will examine what the future holds for gender equality in AI and how women can leverage tech advancements through demystifying and humanising machine learning.
Ramma Cheema
Hera
Mallory Knodel
Financial Autonomy for Entrepreneurs with Sabahat Bokhari
Location: Back Gallery Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Financial Wellness. Learn from experts, tackle financial challenges, and discover tailored services to boost your business. This workshop is designed for women entrepreneurs who wish to address financial challenges in their business, learn effective strategies for financial wellness, improve their financial literacy, and discover financial services tailored for their business needs.
Sabahat Bokhari
Women on Wheels Display & Hands-on Experience
Location: Patio Join the Salman Sufi Foundation for an inspiring session spotlighting the transformative Women on Wheels (WoW) program, a groundbreaking initiative empowering women across Pakistan through motorbike training, safety education, and economic opportunities. This interactive session features the incredible WoW riders sharing their journeys of overcoming societal barriers and embracing independence. Attendees will also have the unique chance to experience riding a motorbike for the first time, guided by expert instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Celebrate women’s autonomy and mobility, and learn how reclaiming public spaces can pave the way for greater economic and social empowerment. Be part of this movement to inspire courage, challenge norms, and create pathways for more women to lead empowered lives.
Summaiya Jillani
Craft in community: Readings From Ampersand
Location: Back Gallery Ampersand volume 1 is the culmination of The Peepul Press’ inaugural craft workshop on poetry and prose. These workshops championed diverse young writers, helping them hone their creative expression through mentorship from seasoned professionals in a safe, supportive creative space and community-building opportunities. Volume 1 is a showcase of the poetry and prose produced by our writers, and a celebration of what flourishes when young people can be themselves, free from the pressure to conform or perform.
Aima Arif
Sajjar
Zarish Khalid
Zehra Wasif
Noori
Sana Mohsin
South-South Internationalism: The Pakistan Context
Location: Hall 2 In a world where feminist movements in the Global South often navigate legacies of colonialism, economic disparity, and political marginalization, reclaiming South-South Internationalism becomes crucial. This dynamic panel brings together visionary feminist leaders from across Pakistan to explore solidarity networks that transcend divisions and disrupt Northern-centric narratives. Through this conversation, we’ll dive into how shared histories of resistance and cultural resilience can fuel a powerful, intersectional movement. Join us as we unpack strategies for mutual empowerment and the pursuit of a liberated, cooperative future led by women in the Global South.
Zoya Rehman
Khawar Mumtaz
Farida Shaheed
Uzma Noorani
Shahzadi Razi
Exploring the Art of Khayal Gaikee: A Journey Through Vocal Training with Nashmia Haroon
Location: Back Gallery Tagh’eer will be an immersive 90-minute workshop blending performance, lecture, and interactive elements. Participants will explore: The significance of the ustaad-shagird relationship. • Basics of surr, sargam, and the anatomy behind voice production. • Techniques for raag practice, including kharaj, wadi, and samwadi surr. • Differentiating between thaats and raags, their timings, and categories. • Finding and strengthening your personal surr through riazat. Designed for mixed-gender participants, this session will help participants understand the voice culture, raag, and the foundational principles of surr.The workshop includes live demonstrations, hands-on exercises in intonation and breathing, and interactive opportunities to hum, sing, and connect with your voice.Pre-registration will be available for this workshop
Nashmia Haroon
Bebaak Soar
Location: Hall 2 While Embodying action and resilience – the performance transforms individual experiences into a collective manifestation of care and understanding. A dance performance around women, their inherent power and the structures of the modern world. Through somatic exploration and participatory visual art practices, dancers reconnect with their own bodies, expressing their stories in visceral, transcendent forms. The performance culminates in the creation of a display of shared reflection and hope. It invites audiences to reimagine data not as cold abstractions, but as lived realities, and to envision a future where feminist perspectives guide the technologies shaping our world.
Wajeeha Wasti
Momina Farooq khan
Suhaee Abroo
Crimson On Cotton
Location: Hall 2 UNFPA, with its mandate rooted in advocacy of human rights, focuses on raising awareness about gender social norms. Crimson on Cotton is an original theatre piece that traces the journey of a woman from childhood to adolescence and beyond, as she navigates the weight of societal expectations. It is an exploration of identity and resilience, that delves into the delicate interplay between tradition and self-discovery. Through a gripping dialogue between two voices, the play unravels questions of purpose, freedom, and strength.
Imran Iftikhar
Rabia Pasha
Amna Mawaz
Chal Diye: Remembering Haniya Aslam - Young Voices with Rakae Jamil
Location: Hall 1 Join us for a deeply personal and loving tribute to the extraordinary Haniya Aslam, whose music and heart touched so many lives. Known for her soulful voice, exceptional songwriting, and trailblazing work as a producer, Haniya’s career was a celebration of creativity and compassion. But she was more than a gifted musician and producer - Haniya was a kind mentor, a gentle dreamer, and a committed believer in the power of music to connect and uplift. This evening, we honor her legacy with performances of her most cherished songs, brought to life by the students of the National College of Arts and musicians who had the privilege of sharing the stage and studio with her. This tribute, organized and performed by Rakae Jamil, celebrates not just Haniya's artistry, but her enormous heart and the way she poured her soul into everything she did.
Nirsha Sarfraz
Rimsha Ashraf
Zaira Ali
Rakae Jamil
Tasweer-e-Zan: A Public Mural by Summaiya Jillan
Location: In Front Patio As a public artist, Summaiya will begin the mural with a prominent portrait of one of her favorite women leaders, such as Asma Jahangir. As people gather, she will encourage them to join her on the canvas by sharing ideas about their favorite female heroes. They can do this by searching for photos on their phones and drawing with her. Participants will have the opportunity to paint the clothing of the women she has already drawn, while the faces will remain boldly outlined in markers for a cohesive look throughout the canvas. For those who may feel less confident in their drawing skills, she will invite them to share the name of their favorite female hero, and she will draw her for them. Additionally, everyone will be encouraged to draw feminist symbols and write down their favorite quotes celebrating women’s empowerment.
Summaiya Jillani
Aiming for the stars -Telescope Activity
Location: Patio Cosmic Perspective is thrilled to bring an interactive and educational astronomical experience to the WoW Pakistan Festival on February 1st and 2nd, 2025. Aligned with our mission to make the cosmos accessible to the public, we will showcase the capabilities of modern telescopic technology through two distinct observation sessions. During the day, attendees can safely observe the Sun’s surface using our Lunt Solar 60mm H-Alpha Telescope, revealing captivating solar phenomena like sunspots and prominences while learning about solar dynamics and space science. In the evening, we will offer breathtaking views of celestial objects such as the Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Mars with our advanced Celestron Edge-HD 8 Telescope equipped with the CGEM II mount, providing unparalleled clarity and stability. Guided by our expert team, festival-goers will gain fascinating insights into these celestial wonders, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for space exploration. This unique experience aims to engage and educate attendees of all ages, inspire interest in science, and create lasting memories that blend education with entertainment.
Aamna Saleem
Zal: Reel identity Tasweerghar
Location: Gallery 1 Tasweerghar will curate a photography exhibition by Aiman Amin that centers on a deeply personal and cultural exploration of Balochi women's lives. The exhibit features a series of photographs, including self-portraits of the artist, with embroidered motifs serving as powerful stamps of identity. Another series of with portraits of Baloch matriarchs in their stark local environments follows, photographs of the women in the places they inhabit, and video footage capturing their everyday lives. Aiman Amin’s work is inspired by archival photographs and oral histories of Baloch women across generations, particularly within her family. Her photography blends historical references with contemporary reinterpretations to document and celebrate the visual representation of Balochi women. It also pays homage to fading traditions, such as Balochi embroidery and the legacy of face tattoos, offering a poignant reflection on cultural memory and resilience. Through this series, Aiman, herself a Baloch woman, positions Balochi women as protagonists of their own stories—central figures of discovery, storytelling, and strength.
Aiman Amin
Rabbania Shirjeel
MARKETPLACE
Location: Patio