WOW Norwich 2018

Women of the World Festival FULL PROGR AMME 2 8 -2 9 A P R I L 2 0 18 at

#WOWNORWICH

Funded by SPIRIT OF 2012 INVESTING IN HAPPINESS

EQUALITY. IF NOT NOW, WHY?

History has largely failed to capture the achievements and contributions of girls and women, and the absence of our story perpetuates the problem of endlessly needing to prove our capabilities. But we believe, don’t we, that the need to build a strong future for women is compelling and urgent and can be achieved if we work together to combat the injustices of inequality and recognise the intersections that need tackling in order to achieve female potential.

WOW festivals are now held in major cities across the world, and increasingly, we’re launching in smaller communities too. Our most intimate WOW is held in Katherine, in Australia’s Northern Territory, and our largest, in Karachi, Pakistan.

Over one and a half million women are part of the WOW movement, which grows daily - you can see our global map of festivals on p.39 in this programme. Men and boys are part of WOW too – we all benefit from a gender-equal world.

WOW is a festival – not a conference or a symposium – because we want to attract and celebrate women and girls from all walks of life.

Despite the gravity and seriousness of the issues that hold us back, we aim to build a place of warmth, shared respect and fun.

Jude Kelly CBE Artistic Director, Southbank Centre Founder, WOW – Women of the World festival 3

Welcome

I founded WOW – Women of the World festival eight years ago out of my belief in celebration. Women have made extraordinary progress in the 20th and 21st centuries, often suffering hardship, hostility and violence to do so. There is nothing we haven’t been able to achieve if the right circumstances exist.

Thank you Norwich Arts Centre is delighted and honoured to bring WOW to Norwich. This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the city and the incredible people that live and work here every day, as well as to showcase visiting speakers and performers who have something to say that Norwich should hear. Our aim is for the festival to inspire debate as well as positive change and action in our region. Diversity and inclusivity stand front and centre at WOW Norwich. We celebrate all those who identify as women, girls and non-binary, and the men and boys who support them.

Working on WOW Norwich has been a humbling and extraordinary experience for which my team and I feel very grateful. Thank you to all at Norwich Arts Centre especially Cathryn Fenton, Kelly Robb, Jo Houlden and Grace Jackson and to Pasco-Q Kevlin for his unending trust and support. I offer huge thanks and admiration to Claire McDermott and Claudia Merhej and the team at the Southbank Centre and Spirit of 2012, thanks also to Charlene Katuwawala and to Laura Middleton, our facilitator. Finally thank you to the incredible people of Norwich who have come together to build what is set to be an extraordinary weekend of exploration and celebration.

Rosie Arnold Norwich Arts Centre Executive Producer and WOW Norwich Programmer Funded by

Programmed by

Norwich Arts Centre

Partners

Collaboraters and Supporters

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Spirit of 2012, a funding charity established by the Big Lottery Fund with a £47m endowment from the National Lottery. Spirit was founded to continue and recreate the spirit of pride, positivity and social connectedness that people experienced during the London 2012 Games.

Spirit funds projects that bring people together – to learn something new, do something different, or experience something unique – and that leave behind a social legacy of increased wellbeing at an individual level, as well as happier and more connected communities.

Festival information WOW passes

Buy a WOW pass to gain access to all these events as you pick and mix your own timetable of talks, debates and performances, be it for one day or the whole weekend.

Please note all panels and workshops are on a firstcome-first-served basis.

Evening events not included in weekend / day passes.

Book tickets

Weekend Pass £20 | £15 concs (including admin fee) Day Pass £12 | £8 concs (including admin fee) Book online norwichartscentre.co.uk Phone 01603 660352 In Person Norwich Arts Centre St Benedict’s Street Norwich NR2 4PG

Venue

OPEN 20 Bank Plain Norwich NR2 4SF 01603 763111 info@opennorwich.org.uk

Access

OPEN is accessible to people with disabilities. We are delighted to offer BSL Interpretation at events across the festival.

Please look out for the access symbols in this brochure for details. There are also roaming BSL interpreters available, so if there is a talk that you would like to have interpreted that’s not featured within the BSL programme please e-mail wownorwich@ southbankcentre.co.uk BSL Interpreted Please note that we do our best to accommodate your requests depending on interpreter availability.

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Get involved

To find out other ways you can get involved, please email wownorwich@ southbankcentre.co.uk

Keep up to date @WOW_Norwich @WOWtweetUK @wownorwich @womenoftheworldfestival @wownorwich @wowglobal

Saturday 28

WOW Views on the News

Join WOW Founder Jude Kelly and guests to get the lowdown on current headlines that affect women.

10.30am – 11am OPEN Banking Hall

Sisters, Sistas & Transistors

How do we fight for gender equality without ignoring other issues such as class, race, sexuality and disability? What are the questions at the coalface of equality in 2018? Join our panelists as they discuss their perspectives on gender equality.

Speakers include: Katy Jon Went from Gender Agenda, Katherine Deane, UEA lecturer and Access Ambassador, artist Marcia X and Maggie Wheeler.

Chaired by Jude Kelly.

11am – 12pm OPEN Banking Hall

WOWsers: The Next Generation

If you care about young people and Norwich, be here. The WOWsers - young festival ambassadors - will surprise you with their special project for WOW Norwich and present a special WOWsers question time.

11am – 12pm OPEN Club Room

Sisu Presents: DJ Workshop & Open Decks Session

Sisu formed from the completion of a female DJ course held at Southbank Centre with the idea in mind to teach female identifying artists how to DJ from Scratch. Hosted

by Lusinda & Malissa, the workshop aims to provide an introduction to the skills needed to know how to DJ from Scratch and to help towards kick starting your career as a DJ. The workshop is designed to be very hands-on and practical, starting with a workshop and ending with an open decks session.

Please book a place via wownorwich@ southbankcentre.co.uk with the subject line ‘DJ Workshop’ 11am – 4pm OPEN Florin Room

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Š Mike Massaro

Saturday

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Moving On Up: Social Mobility in Norfolk and Norwich

Young women growing up in deprived areas of Norfolk have some of the worst prospects in England, according to the 2017 State of the Nation report published by the Social Mobility Commission.

What are the issues our communities face, how can they be addressed, and why are girls and young women worst off?

Speakers include: Tonia Mihill from the Mancroft Advice Project and Lex Barber from The Tricky Period.

Chaired by Lauren Razavi of Norwich Sharing City and Journalist.

LGBTQI+ In Conversation: Living in Norfolk Is there a representative and supportive LGBQTI+ community in Norfolk?

Come and join this intergenerational discussion about the personal experiences living in Norfolk as a person who identifies as LGBTQI+.

Have attitudes changed over the years and how have experiences differed?

Speakers include: Julie Bremner from Norwich Pride, Wendy Robinson and content creator Anna May Fox. Chaired by musician Maxie Gedge.

11am – 12pm OPEN Crown Room

11am – 12pm OPEN Sovereign Room

Under 10’s Feminist Corner

Feminism isn’t just for grown-ups or teenagers!

Are you a budding young feminist? Do you think girls should have the same opportunities in life as boys? If so, we’ve got the perfect session for you.

Join other young feminists for an interactive workshop led by facilitator Alex Evans exploring what being a girl means, and get tips on how to start a campaign in your bedroom.

These sessions for children aged 6–10 years old. Please note: these workshops are for young people only.

To register your child for this session, please email wownorwich@ southbankcentre.co.uk putting ‘Under 10’s Feminist Corner’ in the subject field.

Boys Session 11am – 12pm Mixed Session 2pm – 3pm OPEN Shilling Room

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Press for Progress: Community Action Workshop

Victoria Mponda and Migrants Organise will lead a community action workshop for migrant women sharing inspiring stories and experiences.

They will discuss ways of identifying different community needs and how to address them, acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

12.30pm – 1.30pm OPEN Club Room

Nothing About Us Without Us: Disability and Feminism

Mainstream feminism can often lead to disabled women feeling invisible and under-represented.

Why is disability often left out of conversations about feminism? Informed by their own experiences, the panelists discuss the barriers facing disabled women in achieving equality and explore ways in which feminism can encourage mutual support and intersectional possibilities.

Speakers include: Kate Wyatt from Equal Lives, Hannah Wallis, artist and co-founder of Dyad Creative and artist Alice Bye. Chaired by Michelle Daley from Sisters of Frida.

12.30pm - 1.30pm OPEN Banking Hall

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Saturday

Toxic Masculinity Jordan Stephens

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Toxic Masculinity

“Toxic masculinity is everywhere. It’s up to us men to fix this.” Jordan Stephens.

What does ‘being a man’ mean and how does the male ego impact men and women alike? By addressing the notion of toxic masculinity, the panel will explore ways in which men can be helpful allies in the fight for gender equality.

Speakers include: One half of hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks and supporter of women’s rights Jordan Stephens, local music blogger Alex Cabre, Writers’ Centre Norwich Director Chris Gribble and final year student at Norwich Medical School Liban Ahmed.

12.30pm – 1.30pm OPEN Sovereign Room

WOW Bites

Come along to WOW Bites for short talks, performances, readings and soapbox moments delivered by all sorts of women with amazing stories. Four speakers cover a wide range of subjects from the funny to the serious.

Speakers include: Harriet Alana talks about Brash Skate and Create, her non-profit organisation with wellbeing at its heart.

Amy Nomvula shares her experiences as a woman working as a broadcaster and producer in Norfolk.

Celia Nicholson discusses the work of Norwich-Dedza Partnership, a charity that develops and supports practical links between Norwich, UK and Dedza District in central Malawi.

Alice Lee is an artist and curator based in Norwich, whose creative projects fall under the umbrella name Parallel Point. She will talk about her current practice and how it is adapted for work with local public projects and charities.

MOXIE Dance Confidence Workshop

A chance to loosen up and learn some moves ahead of the official WOW after-party. An hour of dancing for the joy of it, with no worries and no judgment. Enjoy empowering tunes and power stances.

With Anne Francis.

All ages and abilities welcome (and encouraged!).

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

2pm – 3pm OPEN Club Room

12.30pm – 1.30pm OPEN Crown Room

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Saturday

Honey I Shrunk the Patriarchy: Positive Parenting

Is it possible to raise children free of gender stereotypes? Come and join this discussion on the damage gender stereotypes do, how they’re constructed, and how we can work together to challenge them.

Speakers include: Poet, mother, author and spoken word artist Hollie McNish, comedian and father Jarlath Ragan and TV presenter Nina Nannar with her daughter Mimi.

Chaired by author of ‘Gender Agenda’ Ros Ball.

2pm – 3pm OPEN Banking Hall

Yes Yes Yes! Workshop Sex positivity is taking the world by storm, and yet many women still have fear and anxiety when it comes to their genitals. This talk led by Ruby Stevenson, a Sex Educator at Brook, the young people’s sexual health charity, gets back to basics, but in a way you’ve not experienced before.

By combining anatomical knowledge, pleasurefocused consent, and a breakdown of the differing ways our brains process pleasure, this talk will address cultural and personal shame people experience around female genitalia, and use education to empower audience members.

Ruby will break down the numerous pleasurable areas of the vulva and vagina – where to locate them and how to stimulate them (with and without a partner).

This talk will include graphic imagery. 16+ 2pm – 3pm OPEN Sovereign

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Coercive Control

‘Coercive control is when a person with whom you are personally connected, repeatedly behaves in a way which makes you feel controlled, dependent, isolated or scared.’ Rights of Women Organisation 2018.

Hear personal stories from survivors and hear about the support structures available in Norfolk.

Speakers include: Survivors of domestic abuse, Jayne Booth and Sadie Charles, representatives from LEEWAY and Norfolk County Council’s Domestic Abuse Change.

2pm – 3pm OPEN Crown Room Domestic Abuse Workshop on Sunday 29 April 12pm-1pm See page 22

Honey I Shrunk the Patriarchy: Positive Parenting Hollie McNish

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Saturday

You and #MeToo Kuba Shand-Baptiste

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Speed Mentoring

Do you have an ambition but don’t know how to make it happen? Young and starting out? Or older and at a crossroads? Join experts from across many fields including science, journalism and the arts for four 15-minute mentoring sessions. Share your challenges, exchange ideas and potentially identify a new mentor.

To sign up to be a ‘mentee’, please email wownorwich@ southbankcentre.co.uk putting ‘Speed Mentoring’ in the subject field of the email.

3pm – 4pm OPEN Balcony

You and #MeToo

Can an online movement help end sexual harassment and assault? In October 2017 the #MeToo hashtag uncovered the global scale of sexual assault and harassment and became a rallying cry and show of solidarity for survivors - mostly women, and some men too. How can we combat our culture of sexual harassment and approach the topic online and in our day-to-day lives as we re-calibrate post-Weinstein scandal?

Does such a broad movement eclipse essential conversations on race, disability, class and privilege, and what are the cultural, social and legal changes we need to fight for? Our panel discusses whisper networks, why #MeToo went viral and asks if it can help end sexual harassment and assault in real life for good.

What a Way to Make a Living: A Man’s World

What’s it really like to work in a field dominated by men? The panel explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of being women in male dominated industries, the obstacles they’ve faced, and how they’ve overcome them to pave the way for the next generation of women.

Speakers include: Franstine Jones, the first female president of the National Black Police Association, Hayley Johnson COO of EPOS Now, Chantelle Browne from Girl Power Electrical Services and Dr Carole Thomas, Head of John Innes Centre Directorate.

Chaired by Ri Chakraborty, film and tv documentary producer and Dramatherapist.

3.30pm – 4.30pm OPEN Crown Room

Speakers include: Kuba Shand-Baptise from Gal-Dem, The Pool contributor Zoe Beaty, Sarah Claudine of Safe Gigs For Women and Katie Revell, member of Peach Club and sexual harassment activist.

Chaired by Jude Kelly.

3.30pm – 4.30pm OPEN Soveriegn Room

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Saturday

Sick

Sick is a storytelling show about one receptionist’s journey through four years of cuts to the National Health Service. Based on writer and performer Shey Hargreaves’ real experiences of working on an emergency medical unit, the show explores the impact of policy changes on patients, staff, and their families and friends. Sick brings to life the bizarre, hilarious and heartbreaking nature of an emergency department through comedy, music, storytelling and a lot of phone calls.

Jude Kelly Keynote

WOW Founder Jude Kelly on why a gender equal world is a better world for everyone, and what’s next for WOW globally.

4.45pm – 5.30pm OPEN Banking Hall

3.30pm – 4.30pm OPEN Club Room

The Guilty Feminist Podcast: Live at WOW Norwich!

Join comedian Deborah Frances-White and special guests for her comedy podcast, The Guilty Feminist, recorded in front of a live audience.

In each episode Deborah and her guests discuss their noble goals as 21st century feminists and the paradoxes and insecurities which undermine them.

The podcast has been a huge success with over 10,000,000 downloads since it started in early 2017.

7.30pm – 10.30pm OPEN Banking Hall This event is not included in the day or weekend pass.

Ticketed separately. £10 | £7.25 concessions (includes admin fee)

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The Guilty Feminist Podcast Deborah Francis-White

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Saturday

Sunday 29

Views on the News

Take a closer look at today’s newspapers with WOW, as the panel discuss what the headlines mean for gender equality.

10am – 10.30am OPEN Banking Hall

The Problem with Politics

This panel takes a frank look at the barriers women face in their political careers and the ways in which women are engaging with politics. What are the obstacles they face in Westminster and beyond and where do women really sit on the bench?

Speakers include: Jess Barnard, CEO Norwich City Council, Laura McGillivray, Chief Executive of West Midlands Council, Deborah Cadman, Chief of Staff at the Women’s Equality Party and feminist activist, Hannah Peaker.

10.30am – 11.30am OPEN Banking Hall

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Morning Yoga

Wake the body and mind up right! In this morning class we will be balancing, working on alignment and getting you ready for your exciting day ahead at WOW festival.

Mixed ability class, there will be an option for everyone! Led by Anna Yoga.

10.30am – 11.30am OPEN Club Room

The Problem with Politics Deborah Cadman

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Sunday

Menopause Discussion Group: Overcoming the Taboo It’s time to stop the culture of silence surrounding the menopause. What are the myths that are fuelling the stigma? Join our hosts as they talk through different approaches to living with the menopause.

Speakers include: Eileen Bellot, Managing Director of ‘Reclaim the Menopause’ and retired Health and Social Care worker and current chair of The Garage, Maggie Wheeler.

10.30am – 11.30am OPEN Sovereign Room

Colour Blindness: Living in a White City

As the landscape of Norwich’s population continues to diversify, our panelists discuss their experiences of racial and cultural othering whilst living and working in a predominantly white city.

Speakers include: Musician, marketing & public relations consultant, Charlene Katuwawala, artist Marcia X and former commercial pilot and founder of Spokeswoman, Enid Otun.

Chaired by ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar.

10.30am – 11.30am OPEN Crown Room

Under 10’s Feminist Corner

Feminism isn’t just for grown-ups or teenagers!

Are you a budding young feminist? Do you think girls should have the same opportunities in life as boys? If so, we’ve got the perfect session for you.

Join other young feminists for an interactive workshop led by facilitators Dr Tori Cann and Dr Erica Horton exploring what being a girl means, and get tips on how to start a campaign in your bedroom.

These sessions for children aged 6–10 years old. Please note: these workshops are for young people only.

To register your child for this session, please email wownorwich@ southbankcentre.co.uk putting ‘Under 10’s Feminist Corner’ in the subject field.

Girls Session 11am – 12pm Mixed Session 1pm – 2pm OPEN Shilling Room

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Colour Blindness: Living in a White City Charlene Katuwawala

Colour Blindness: Living in a White City Artist Marcia X

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Sunday

Š Joe Naylor

No More.

Patrisse Khan-Cullors

Speed Mentoring

Do you have an ambition but don’t know how to make it happen? Young and starting out? Or older and at a crossroads? Join experts from across many fields including science, journalism and the arts for four 15-minute mentoring sessions. Share your challenges, exchange ideas and potentially identify a new mentor.

To sign up to be a ‘mentee’, please email rosie.arnold@ southbankcentre.co.uk putting ‘Speed Mentoring’ in the subject field of the email.

12pm – 1pm OPEN Crown Room

Pitch Perfect: Women and Sports “Society has led us to believe that women and sport don’t mix.” Anna Kessel from her book Eat, Sweat, Play.

After an introduction from Anna Kessel on her book this panel will open up a discussion about the barriers women and girls face when engaging with sport professionally, recreationally and at education level. Listen to stories from our panelists on how they are reclaiming sport and celebrating the self.

Speakers include: Anna Kessel author of Eat, Sweat, Play, Carrie Dunn from Women at the Game, Velo City Girl blogger and cyclist Jools Walker and Paralympian and Director of Team Insight Georgie Bullen.

12pm – 1pm OPEN Banking Hall

Domestic Abuse Change: Understanding Coercive Control

Most people know that it illegal to physically abuse another person, but many people don’t realise it is illegal to control them. We will be looking at coercive control, what is it, and how it is possible for one person to control another. We will consider evidence that can be used to demonstrate control, and consider the question that we hear over and over again: “Why don’t they just leave?”. We will be having an interactive session, debating and debunking myths, and raising awareness that coercive control is damaging, isolating and often mistaken for love.

This is facilitated by Domestic Abuse Change Coordinators for Norfolk County Council. They train up professionals in recognising the signs of domestic abuse and equip them with skills to support victims/survivors. Domestic abuse affects everyone in society, either directly or indirectly and everyone has the right to live free from abuse.

12pm – 1pm OPEN Club Room

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Pitch Perfect: Women in Sports Anna Kessel

Pitch Perfect: Women in Sports Jools Walker

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Sunday

Emotional Labour: A Woman’s Job, Who Cares?

Why is it that caregiving often falls on women, be it motherhood, running the household, remembering birthdays or caring for a family member or elderly parent? Is it an unspoken expectation imposed by society that women have adapted to? Can and should women ever resign from this ‘worry work’?

Speakers include: Stephanie Nimmo, author of Was This The Plan?, Helen Burgess from Age Space and Mother Like No Other local business founder and mother Becky Edwards.

Chaired by Union Organiser Nadine Houghton.

12pm – 1pm OPEN Sovereign Room

WOW Bites

Come along to WOW Bites for short talks, performances, readings and soapbox moments delivered by all sorts of women with amazing stories. Four speakers cover a wide range of subjects from the funny to the serious.

Speakers include: Lex Barber, Project Co-ordinator for The Tricky Period, talks about how she is working to help solve Period Poverty throughout Norfolk and beyond.

Chrissie Sabberton talks about the work that she does with The Norwich Dandies, Nasty Women and Norwich Rising.

Debbie Sands discusses all things Woodcraft Folk, an organisation with equality and co-operation at its core.

Becky Edwards, successful business entrepreneur and social media blogger talks about her start-up business Mother Like No Other.

1.30pm – 2.30pm OPEN Crown Room

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WOW Whizz-Bang Science Show!

Join Dr Dee Enay from Mad Science Norfolk for a WOW Whizz Bang Science show! Suitable for Children ages 4 -11 Dr Dee Enay will demonstrate her favourite experiments and even involve brave volunteers.

It will be a celebration of the achievements of great Scientists and Inventors that have paved the way for the next generation of Biologists, Doctors, Mathematicians, Physicists, Astronauts and more.

1.30pm – 2.30pm OPEN Club Room

Emotional Labour: A Woman’s Job, Who Cares?

Becky Edwards

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Sunday

Š Joanna Millington

Eyes and Teeth Darling!

Eyes and Teeth Darling!

Maria Uzor Maria Uzor

Eyes and Teeth Darling!

Nina Nannar

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Eyes and Teeth Darling!

With men at the head of the majority of media and arts organisations and women very often the victims of double standards, what is the current state of play for women in this industry?

How have women’s roles in media and entertainment changed over the last few years, and what can we do to be more representative moving forward?

Speakers include: Sink Ya Teeth lead singer Maria Uzor, Broadcaster and Producer Amy Nomvula Smith, ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar and Comedy Writer of hit BBC series ‘Motherland’ Helen Linehan.

Chaired by Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of the PRS Foundation.

1.30pm – 2.30pm OPEN Banking Hall

Women on the Move

An inspiring panel of refugee women based in Norwich share their experiences of the challenges and triumphs of resettling in a new country.

Chaired by Dee Robinson, founder and director of local charity New Routes Integration.

Speakers include: Eden Kidane – Originally from Eritrea, Eden moved to Norwich in 2003. She is now an international interpreter, working on projects around the world.

Afrah Alwassiti – Afrah made waves in the Iraqi community when she came to Norwich in 2010. Known as the ‘Elizabeth Taylor of Iraq’, she was a renowned stage and film actress before being forced to flee Iraq and seek sanctuary in the UK. Hero Abwbakr – Housewife with attitude, Hero arrived from Iraqi Kurdistan with no English; 10 years later, she’s putting her 5 languages to good use and training to be an interpreter.

Saeedeh Aryan – Saeedeh is an Iranian educationalist who has lived in Norwich since 2013.

Hula Hooping Workshop

Hula hooping is a fun way of getting active and healthy.

Not only will you get fit, but you will also have a giggle whilst doing it! It gives people core strength, better balance, and is also good for the brain as you need to remember and coordinate new tricks. Norwich Hooping will be running a workshop, open to all; men, women and children. Come along, have a laugh and maybe become addicted to a new hobby.

2.45pm – 3.45pm OPEN Banking Hall

1.30pm – 2.30pm OPEN Sovereign Room

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Sunday

True Stories Live Workshop

We all have stories to tell but sometimes we just need a helping hand to make them flow. Drop in to our True Stories Live workshop and let us help you to discover and tell your true stories. The workshop will be led by Molly Naylor who is a well known writer and performer and compere of the regular sellout True Stories Live events at Norwich Arts Centre. It will be free and fun.

No writing or performance experience necessary.

2.30pm – 4pm OPEN Shilling Room

Dysney Disfunction

by Michelle Sewell, Hack Theatre For Alice Marcs, happily ever after is just a visa away.

Alice’s visa expires today.

She waits at a tube station on the way to the airport for Prince Charming to rescue her with the promise of a marriage visa and a fairytale ending. But as she waits, and still he doesn’t come, Alice is forced to consider having to leave a future she’s always dreamed of, to return to a traumatic past she fled from. Will Alice save herself, or will she keep waiting for her Prince?

4pm – 5pm OPEN Club Room

Non-Binary, Trans and Intersex Women: Media Wars

Non-binary, trans and intersex women are often either invisible or sensationalised in the media. Join our panelists as they examine these misrepresentations, why representation matters and discuss ways in which we can lobby for change and ensure all people are represented with accuracy, dignity and respect.

Speakers include: Donna Whitbread from Channel 4’s ‘My Transsexual Summer’, Sarah Corke from BBC’s ‘Queer Britain’ and local musician and activist trans-man Charlie Caine.

Chaired by Katy Jon Went from Gender Agenda.

3pm – 4pm OPEN Sovereign Room

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Dysney Disfunction Michelle Sewell

Non-Binary, Trans and Intersex Women: Media Wars Katy Jon Went

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Sunday

© Kelly Robb

Eyes and Teeth Darling!

Amy Nomvula

TOM GRIFFITHS

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Mental Wealth

Hear from mental health professionals and experts through experience on how we can challenge the stigma and shame around women’s mental health. A fifth of women - and one in four pregnant women - are reported to suffer from a mental health issue such as anxiety and depression, compared to one in eight men, with young women currently the highest risk group for mental health problems. How does gender affect mental health care, why are women less likely to be taken seriously, and what can we do to change the status quo?

Chaired by Ruth Taylor from Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind.

3pm – 4pm OPEN Crown Room

PROCESSIONS: Banner-making Workshop

Make a banner inspired by the Suffragettes at this drop-in workshop for all ages.

PROCESSIONS is a mass participation artwork taking place in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London on 10 June 2018 marking 100 years since the Representation of the People Act, which gave the first British women the right to vote.

Letterpress Poster Workshop with Print To The People

Get your voice heard!

Use Print To The People’s collection of wooden type to make your own Letterpress poster and get your opinions out there!

Drop-in: 2pm – 4.30pm OPEN Florin Room

This is one of a series of workshops led by textile artist Fiona Muller with printing support from Print to the People to create a banner that will be part of a mass procession in London on 10 June to celebrate the fight for suffrage.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival is one of a hundred organisations taking part in PROCESSIONS; a national project by Artichoke uniting and inspiring women from all walks of life in a celebration of what it means to be a woman today.

10am – 1pm OPEN Florin Room

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Sunday

Stephanie Nimmo: Was This in the Plan?

If someone had told Steph what life had in store for her that fateful evening when she walked into a pub in Canterbury and met the man who was to become her husband she would have run a mile!

Pick of the Festival

It’s impossible to go to everything in WOW, so come and help WOW Norwich go out with a bang with special guests and voices from across the festival.

5.30pm – 6pm OPEN Banking Hall

Women in Music Presented by PONY UP To close the festival at OPEN Club Room, PONY UP, Norwich Arts Centre’s new music club-night, presents a celebratory and inspiring line-up of women in music making waves nationally.

7.30pm OPEN Club Room

Life has thrown some unimaginable challenges Steph’s way but despite it all she has learned that with every experience her resilience and her capacity to keep moving forward has been strengthened.

Steph starting writing her blog Was This in the Plan? in 2008 and last year her book of the same name was published.

This event is not included in day and weekend passes.

Ticketed separately. £TBC

Steph very openly and frankly shares her story in order to inspire people to reflect on their own finite lives and what really matters in the end.

4.15pm – 5.15pm OPEN Banking Hall

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Festival Pop-Up & True Stories Live Bec Hill

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Sunday

Elsewhere

Yvette

by Urielle Klein-Mekongo Presented by China Plate Evie is thirteen and lives in Neasden with her Mum. She wants to tell us about something… her crush on Lewis, trying to be a woman, friends, virginity, garage remixes, hello kitty underwear… an ‘Uncle’ lurking in the corner of her story. She wants to make us laugh, she’s pretty good at it. She wants to tell us something, but she daren’t let it out.

Based a true story, Yvette is a one woman show with original music about a stolen childhood and growing up with a secret.

Wednesday 25 April 8pm Norwich Arts Centre £10 | £8 concesisons (Includes admin fee)

Children’s Stories

WOW-inspired storytime sessions for children.

Friday 27 April 10.30am - 11am Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Children’s Library Free admission

Valeria Napoleone & Caroline Douglas: In Conversation Presented by WOW Norwich, NUA & Norwich Castle Museum Join renowned philanthropist and art collector Valeria Napoleone and Contemporary Art Society Director Caroline Douglas in conversation as they discuss their new initiative VN XX CAS. The purpose of the initiative is to support the acquisition of significant works by female artists for Contemporary Art Society museum members across the UK. Valeria and Caroline will also explore such topics as the under representation of women artists in museums and galleries and at the head of arts organisations as well as sharing their thoughts on the promotion of further diversity and fostering a spirit of alliance moving forward. Chaired by Dr Sarah Lowndes, writer, curator and Reserach Fellow at Norwich University of the Arts.

Friday 27 April 5.30pm - 6.30pm St Andrews House Lecture Theatre at NUA FREE Book through Norwich Arts Centre

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Altered Feast

An all-female line-up of special guests, including the hilarious Athena Kugblenu, as heard on The Guilty Feminist podcast and Bisha K. Ali, as heard on the FemiNerd podcast.

Friday 27 April 8pm The Birdcage, Pottergate, Norwich £5.50 (Includes booking fee)

DollyWould Presented by Sh!t Theatre Oh look, 2016 Fringe First Award winners Sh!t Theatre again. What is it this time?

Oh, is it unemployment?

Is there a crisis? Did the government do something wrong again?

No, it’s a show about Dolly Parton. We f*cking love her.

This new show is about country legend Dolly Parton, cloning, branding, immortality and death.

Hollie McNish

Award-winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed. She is an Arts Foundation Fellow in Spoken Word, has garnered over ten million YouTube views for her online poetry performances and was the first poet to record at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios.

She will be joining us to perform poems, read from and chat honestly and openly from her latest poetry collections.

Expect strong language as she talks fruit and flesh, guilt, sex, politics, death, breasts, transformers and more.

Saturday 28 April 8pm Norwich Arts Centre £11.50 | £9 concesisons (Includes admin fee)

Friday 27 April 8pm Norwich Arts Centre

MOXIE WOW Afterparty

A fun and comfortable space with music that makes you want to dance.

Playing Pop, Funk, Latin, Hip Hop, Afrobeat and more.

Bring your Friends/Mum/ Daughter/Gran.

Everyone welcome!

With DJ Amy Nomvula Saturday 28 April 10pm Norwich Arts Centre Pay What You Can Afford (Includes admin fee)

TRACE

by Katherine Mager Katherine Mager explores themes around the passing of time and seasonal colour casts with blown up 35mm slides taken by her dad in the early 1980s.

Written responses by creative writer Lavendhri Arumugam accompany the images.

Wednesday 21 March - Sunday 29 April Mon-Fri 1pm - 5pm | 10-6 Saturdays Norwich Arts Centre

£11.50 | £9 concesisons (Includes admin fee)

Free admission

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Elsewhere

A Place in the World

An exhibition of photography and film by women artists from across the world featuring work

by Rosalind Nashashibi and Lucy Skaer, Ifeoma Onyefulu, Hannah Starkey, Erika Tan, Susan Trangmar and Valerie Wilmer.

Friday 9 March – 28 April East Gallery NUA FREE

A Place in the World Workshop

East Gallery NUA is offering a workshop to accompany the exhibition A Place in the World, an exhibition of film and photography by female artists.

How is female identity portrayed in the exhibition?

This engaging, interactive workshop will help students explore what it is like to be a woman in today’s society and how identity depends on place, community, childhood and home.

Saturday 28 April 10.30am - 12pm East Gallery NUA FREE | Book through Norwich Arts Centre | Limited places

Visible Women

An exhibition of work by women artists including Gwen John, Barbara Hepworth, Jo Spence and Penny Slinger. Plus the launch of new work by a contemporary artist supported by the Valeria Napoleone XX Contemporary Art Scheme.

Opens Saturday 14 April Norwich Castle Musuem Free with The Castle admission price

Ruby Turner

One of the greatest Soul, Gospel voices the UK has ever produced.

Saturday 28 April 8pm Norwich Playouse £21.50 | £19 concesisons

Playhouse X WOW featuring artist Marcia X

A collaborative exhibition including a new photographic series by Marcia X and a diverse group show, selected and curated by The Playhouse Bar and Marcia X. 2 April – 29 April Norwich Playhouse Bar Free admission

36

The Breadwinner: with post-screening Q&A

Cinema City present a very special preview screening of The Breadwinner + Q&A with Day Of The Girl Norwich and special guests.

Follow the incredible journey of Parvana, a young girl who gives up everything to provide for her family and reunite with her father.

Sunday 29 April 3pm Cinema City £7.70-£12.20

True Stories Live: Now’s The Time

Intimate, interesting, anecdotal storytelling by non-performers and performers in a welcoming and intimate setting.

With special guests Bec Hill and Paula Varjack in the company of speakers from our TSL community who will explore what it is to be a 21st century woman.

Sunday 29 April 7.30pm Norwich Arts Centre £11.50 | £9 concesisons (Includes admin fee)

DollyWould Sh!t Theatre

37

Elsewhere

Throughout the festival WOW Market

The WOW Market is the hub of the festival, home to carefully selected stalls that raise awareness, showcase work and sell their creations. It’s a central meeting space to find information, shop, network, and get a feel for WOW. Sat 28 – Sun 29 April 10am – 5pm OPEN Banking Hall

WOW Cafe

The WOW cafe will be open throughout the festival selling teas, coffees, soft drinks and snacks including WOW cupcakes!

WOW FM

Local station Future Radio 107.8FM will be roaming the festival, capturing the atmosphere and interviewing speakers and festival goers. Get involved!

WOWsers

The Wowsers are young Norwich volunteers aged 15-18 who are working together in the lead-up to the festival to create a piece of work to be showcased at WOW Norwich.

Saturday 28 April 11am – 12pm OPEN Club Room

WOW Volunteers

The WOW volunteers are on hand all weekend to welcome you to the festival, answer queries, offer help and share information about the festival programme. Please stop when you see them and say hello!

Sat 28 - Sun 29 April OPEN

First World War Women of Norfolk: On Active Service

This First World War exhibition celebrates the remarkable effort made by women across Norfolk who were on active service and fighting on the home front.

Sat 28 - Sun 29 April OPEN

Down’s Syndrome Norfolk Exhibition

Downs Syndrome Norfolk will present a series of photos celebrating the achievements of some of our female members. These photos convey the sense of pride felt by these young ladies when they have overcome the many obstacles that life puts in their way.

Sat 28 - Sun 29 April OPEN 38

Festival Pop-Ups

Keep an eye out for poetry, comedy, music and more! We have pop-up performances programmed throughout the whole weekend at OPEN. Artist Marcia X will be reading selected poetry from their immersive performance project The Self is a Trick of Memory.

Musician Aphra will perform colourful catchy melodies and raw acoustic guitar.

Local music group Blasian will perform in different languages; English, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Portuguese, Punjabi and Shona.

Comedian Bec Hill will be performing stand-up comedy showcasing her unique and unforgettable comedy style.

Find the cast of All Mouth, No Trousers, performed by The Common Lot Theatre Company, roaming around the venue telling tales of Norfolk’s radical women through story and song.

Sat 28 - Sun 29 April OPEN Banking Hall & Balcony

Each WOW is rooted in its local area but is part of WOW Global, allowing festivals to support and inspire each other while creating a network of people and ideas.

WOW is a global festival that has taken place on five continents since its launch in 2010.

WOW Baltimore

WOW Rio, Brazil

WOW Beijing, China

WOW Melbourne

WOW Sydney

WOW Brisbane

WOW 2018 Celebrating Women of the Commonwealth

WOW Colombo, Sri Lanka

WOW Dhaka, Bangladesh

WOW Kathmandu, Nepal

WOW Katherine

WOW Karachi, Pakistan

WOW Finland

WOW Hargeysa, Somaliland

WOW Alexandria, Egypt

WOW Ake, Nigeria

WOW Apollo

WOW London WOW Bradford WOW Cambridge WOW Cardiff WOW Chester WOW Derry-Londonderry WOW Exeter WOW Folkestone WOW Hull WOW Norwich WOW Perth

UK

WOW Global

Listings correct at time of going to press.

Norwich Arts Centre is a registered charity no. 274803