Women of the World Festival (WOW) Nepal 2024

Curated by Women LEAD

Women mentors from different walks of life are paired with mentees for 15 minutes of focused conversations where they provide advice on career, life and everything in between.

23–24 November | Nandi Keshwor Mandir I Session 1 | 11:00 PM–12:00 PM​ I Session 2 | 1:00 PM–2:00 PM​

Participation through pre-registration only. For more information, please visit the Women LEAD stall at WOW Marketplace.

Mothers, movements and melodies​

23–24 November | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

The exhibition brings together stories of care, identity, and agency through images, film, and conversations shaped by songs, storytelling practices, and cultural curiosities from different regions of Nepal.​ It features projects from the British Council’s Equal Together: Gender Grants Programme. Curated by Pooja Poudel, Shilpakar & Co.​

21 Together​

25–30 November | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM | Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naxal​

A showcase of paintings made by 21 women artists who will be making use of Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha as their studio space during WOW Nepal to create works that talk about gender-based violence, identity, and stereotypes. Organised in partnership with Nepal Academy of Fine Arts.

 Through Their Eyes​

23–24 November | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

An exhibition of photographs by students from the Central Secondary School for the Deaf, Naxal. Photographs produced through a WOW workshop by Kripa Shakya and Prabina Joshi. Curated by Kripa Shakya and Lokopakar.

23 - 24 November I 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM I Nandi Keshwar Bagaincha Playground

A playground for children and teenagers to dive into the world of feminism and gender equality through books, games, films and fun. Open to curious young minds and hearts of all genders. 

This space is open to all under 18 years of age throughout the Festival. Guardians are required to visit the entry desk for registration. Curated by Room to Read

Curated by Kathaharu

The film component of WOW Nepal 2024 strategically engages international experts, national stakeholders and audiences to promote women, non-binary and queer filmmakers. It is a celebration of women and queer individuals in film both as makers and subjects of the stories.​ During WOW, we showcase short-form films to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives. 

23 NOVEMBER I 12:30 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha

• Hajur, Yes – LSM and Pinki Sris Rana
• Moti, Dubli, Kali, Gori – Nirvana Bhandary
• Sun Ra Pani – Anna Deluche

3:00 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha

• Drifting Clouds – Deepa Shrestha
• There’s No Perfection, Only Life – Urza Acharya
• Camera Rolling: A Video Anthology from Young Girls in Nepal​ – Managed by VOW Media
• Beyond Language – Shusma Baraili
• High in the Sky – Drishna Sthapit
• Yellow – Elham Ehsas

24 NOVEMBER I 12:30 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha

• Where Water Hyacinths Grow – Aishwarya Baidar
• Jarna – Enuma Rai
• Chhesang – Rajeela Shrestha
• Sanai – Akanchha Karki

In 2023, British Council supported 14 arts and culture projects in six provinces of Nepal that raise awareness about gender issues, and build skills and foster allyship between women, girls, non-binary people, men, and boys. Get a glimpse of these projects through a dedicated exhibition and various activities.

• Healing the Mother’s Heart – Richene Singh, Srija Shrestha, and Alina Chhantel​
• Banki Sapana – Karnali Theatre ​
• Hear me Sing: Women in Nepali Music – Smarika Phuyal ​
• Demjang – Heyshe Dolma Sherpa ​
• Shringaar Stories – Duluwa Talks​
• Healthy Relationships – Hami DajuVai​
• Empowering Voices: An Inclusive Music Video Project for Gender Equality and Disability Awareness – Bind Rocks!​
• Breaking Boundaries through Dance – Sudur Paschim Samaj ​
• Empowering Newly Married Girls – Fatima Foundation Nepal​
• Sadak Satta ra Siddhanta – Urbashi Ghimire ​
• God is a Woman – Skathi Entertainment ​
• Shree Tara Band – Bhoomi Folk Festival ​
• Women in Media and Films – International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) Nepa​l
•  Documentation of Gender Grants – Sabrina Dangol and Nisha Khaling Rai ​

 

Curated by Lokopakar

A platform where youth take the charge in the gender movement through diverse activities. This initiative builds the capacity of young people to initiate conversations on equality and step into leadership roles.

​BECOME A WOW AMBASSADOR

12–13 November | 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | Thames International College​

A two-day programme equipping KMC volunteers with foundational gender awareness and insights into WOW Festival 2024, preparing them to lead outreach sessions in 10 colleges in Kathmandu Valley.

wowser outreach

15–18 November

Volunteers engaging 10 colleges through interactive sessions about WOW Nepal 2024, inspiring students to join and contribute to the Festival activities.

Curated by Room to Read

MAKING ROOM FOR YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS

23–24 Novmber | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM​

Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha Playground​

A playground for children and teenagers to dive into the world of feminism and gender equality through books, games, films, and fun. Open to curious young minds and hearts of all genders.​ Guardians of all under-18 visitors are required to visit the entry desk for registration.

23 Novmber | 3:00 PM​ | SHRI Nandi SECONDARY SCHOOL​

Film screening – She Creates Change

24 Novmber | 12:30 PM​ | SHRI Nandi SECONDARY SCHOOL​

Film screening – She Creates Change and monologues by Ayusha Dulal, Ashika Shrestha, Rahimat Jaha Khan, and Sangita Chaudhary.

24 Novmber | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM​ |

SHRI Nandi SECONDARY SCHOOL​

Gender and Climate Justice WORKSHOP

 

(Pre-registered participants only)​

Curated by The Open Institute for Social Science

Through solo talks and panel discussions, we distill, reflect and converse around innovative ideas and discourses in diverse fields—climate change, queer love, aging, education, art and sports—that shape our society.

 23 November​ I 11:30 AM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha ​

Reel Women Change Cinema ​

Celebrated Nepali actors and a prominent Indian film editor discuss the social realities of writing and portraying female characters as the film industry increasingly produces female-led films and grapples with feminist approaches to filmmaking.​

Panelists: Pashupati Rai, Shweta Venkat Mathew, and Thinley Lhamo​

Moderator: Gaumaya Gurung​

​12:30 PM | Shri Nandi Secondary School​

A League of Her Own ​

Nepali athletes from different stages of their sporting careers talk about ideas of success, support, and safety while reflecting on their sports journeys thus far and shedding light on what is still needed for rising and veteran sports women.​

Panelists: Monalisha Khamboo, Nirmala Bhandari, and Sanskriti Phuyal​

Moderator: Bidhyalaxmi Maharjan

​2:00 PM, Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

Why / When the World Is Burning?

A series of short solo talks reflecting on the idea of why it is important to do what we do – Build Technology, Save A Language or Make Art – in the face of a world that is metaphorically and literally burning.

Speakers: Dr. Dovan Rai, Dristi Manandhar, and Sharareh Bajracharya

 24 November​​

11:30 AM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha ​

Wind, Water and Women​

Three generations of indigenous women talk about finding wisdom and ways of understanding the current climate crisis through stories and songs from the Sherpa community.​​

Panelists: Futi Sherpa ​and Dr. Pasang Yangjee Sherpa

Moderator: Khushi Hang Tenga Rai​

​2:00 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

How Queer Is Your Love? ​

Queer elders in their 50s talk about their lives and shared experiences revolving around love and aging, grounded and facilitated by a young queer person who will reflect on their own ideas of growing old.​​

Panelists: Kanchi Maya Tamang, Sukmaya Magar and Sworsati Pun Magar​

Moderator: Lex Limbu​

​4:00 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

How’d You Create That?​

Young visual artists talk about the process of creating art, how and why it is important for their artistic journeys, and how they fund what they love to do.​​

Panelists: Mrigaja Bajracharya and Subidha Lama aka BLU​

 

Moderator: Alfa M. Shakya

Curated by Preetika Thapa, BRITISH COUNCIL

A showcase of creativity and expression through music, theatre, and dance.

• Barta Gandharba
• Bind Rocks!
• But Still, We Rise – a play by Katha Ghera - Akanchha Karki, Alisha Bade Shrestha Bhaila, Arpan Maharjan, Binita Gurung, Bhumika Tharu, Niharika Kafle, Nirmala Bhandari, Nistha Tripathi, Pooja Adhikari, Pooja Kumari Baishya, Pramila Rai, Richma Gurung, Sarita Thulung, Sharmila Bishwakarma, Shilpa Dhungel, Shova Limbu, and Sundari Mishra
• Circus Kathmandu – Sarswati Adhikari and Sunita Sunar ​
• Hamro Sapana Ko Nepal Mahila Naumati Panche Baja - Krishna Kumari Chettri, Hira Pariyar, Sita Giri, Anisha Baraili, Upama Pariyar, Srijana Bharati, Indralaxmi Shrestha, Kumar Sanu Pariyar, and Lila Bahadur Pariyar ​
• Istri’s
• Karnali Theatre ​
• KJC Rajamati Choir ​
• Rachana Dahal ​
• Sita Subedi ​
• Sunita Mivak Limbu ​
• Sur Shakti – Kunti Moktan, Devika Bandana, Bimala Rai, Sangita Pradhan, Pratima Rajbhandari, Ramana Shrestha, Subani Moktan, Sabina Karki, Rita Duwadi, Bunu Shrestha, and Pabitra Subba​
• Tahnani Dapha Khalah

Curated by Sadiksha Chaudhary, British Council

23–24 November | 9:00 AM–8:00 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

A vibrant hub showcasing 35 businesses, initiatives, and creative projects that are either led by women and non-binary individuals or are aimed at supporting them.

• Ameya Studio
• Boju Store
• British Council
• Callijatra Foundation
• Deego Nepal
• Explore Hub Nepal
• FHEAL - Mental Health Service
• Hami DajuVai
• Healing the Mother’s Heart
• Heirloom Artisans
• KMC ‘One Ward One Model’
• KMC Women’s Counselling Cell
• Kokroma Nepal
• Laxmi Wood Craft Udyog
• Mitini Initiative
•  Mitrakala Art Studio
• National Federation of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (NFWLHA)
• Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) & Women In Astronomy Nepal (WIAN)
• Nyano Maya
• Old Souls
• Queer Youth Group
• Radhako Burn Survivors
• Reclaiming Narratives
•  Rekriti
• Samaah Jewelry
• Sattya Media Arts Collective
• Seven Women
• Sipalu Sisters (A Maker Keti Initiative)
• Spin and mix with Femixx
• Sukhawati Charity Store
• Susrutamhita Herbals Pvt. Ltd.
• Voices of Women Media
• Women LEAD Nepal
• Women’s Creation Centre
• Women Self Employment and Skill Development Centre

 

Curated by Reclaiming Narratives​

Inspirational individuals from all over Nepal take to the stage to share their triumphs, struggles, joys and wisdom.

22 NOVEMBER | OPENING RECEPTION

·       Miruna Lisara Magar, Actor

23 November​ I 10 AM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha

·       Indu Barma, Captain, National Women’s Cricket Team

11:30 AM | Shri Nandi Secondary School

·       Bishnumaya Pariyar, Cofounder, Karnali Arts Center

·       Sushila Gurung, Photographer​

·       Durga Dhimal, Founding Treasurer, Jhoeitya Sambriddhi Sahakari

·       Barta Gandharba, Singer/Sarangi Player​

2:00 PM | Shri Nandi Secondary School

·       Renuka Shrestha, Enterpreneur

·       Roobi Khan, Human Rights Activist

·       Pareena Chaudhary, Gender Rights Activist​

·       Sujan Kumari Bardewa, Administrative Officer, DAO, Kathmandu

·       Monika Bishwakarma, Journalist

24 November​ I 11:30 AM | Shri Nandi Secondary School

·       Prativa Pandey, Scientist, Herveda Botanicals​

·       Kalara Bishwokarma, Youth Activist and Social Worker

·       Jane Mote, Editorial Consultant, The Whickers

·       Sanu Maiya Maharjan, Senior Officer, Environment Department, KMC

 2:00 PM | Shri Nandi Secondary School

·       Ranjana Dhami Chaudhari, Para-athlete and Advocate

·       Neplu Majhi, Activist, Landless Woman Movement​

·       Chanda Chaudhary, Board Member, Prayatna Nepal​

·       Sirjana Sizzu, Solo Traveller

6:00 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha

 

·       Gita Chaudhary, Mayor, Surunga Municipality

Visual storytelling workshop

15–17 November 2024 | 7:00 AM–9:30 AM | Central Secondary School for the Deaf, NAXAL

A photography workshop by Kripa Shakya and Prabina Joshi for d/Deaf students​. Curated by Lokopakar. (Pre-registered participants only)​.

​Strength TogetHER

19–23 November I 2:00 PM–3:00 PM | Mahendra Secondary School, Naxal​

A space for girls aged 11-14 to share their experiences and connect​ with each other about menstruation, gender stereotypes, self-esteem, and happiness. Curated by Lokopakar. (Pre-registered participants only)​.

​Branding and marketing basics

22 November I 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | Harihar Narayan Samaj, Naxal​

A branding and marketing workshop by Pranidhi Tara Tuladhar and Maya Rai for women artisans. (Pre-registered participants only)​.

​Go with the flow – Yoga for Balance​

23 November | 8:30 AM–9:30 AM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

Yoga session facilitated by Soma Wellness Studio. Curated by Mitini Initiative. (Open to everyone, including walk-ins)​.

Finding funds for your documentaries: Masterclass with Jane Mote​

23 November | 9:30 AM–11:00 AM | Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka

Curated by Kathaharu in collaboration with Film Southasia. (Pre-registered participants only).

Spin and Mix

23–24 November | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM & 4:00 PM–5:00 PM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

An interactive DJ booth​ by Femixx. (Walk-ins welcome, no pre-registration is required)​.

​Power Moves: Sel-Defence Session

24 November | 8:30 AM–10:00 AM | Nandi Keshwor Bagaincha​

Facilitated by Naxal Boxing Club. Curated by Mitini Initiative. (Pre-registration but walk-ins welcome)​.

​Healthy Relationships

24 November | 10:30 AM–3 PM | SHRI Nandi Secondary School​

A zine-making workshop for students​ by Hami DajuVai. (Pre-registered participants only)​.

Making the cut: An editing masterclass with Shweta Venkat ​Mathew

24 November | 9:30 AM–11:00 AM | Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka

Curated by Kathaharu in collaboration with Film Southasia. (Pre-registered participants only).

 

Digital Storytelling for Advocacy and Campaigning

24 November | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM | NEPAL ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, NAXAL

Curated by Reclaiming Narratives. (Pre-registered participants only).