There’s an event in Oslo at the end of this month that looks extraordinary, and it seems to be somewhat under-publicized. It’s called World Woman, and the list of speakers and performers is jaw-dropping in its richness and geographic breadth. It’s organized by Deeyah Khan’s group Fuuse.
Deeyah says it will be a mehfil:
“When I was growing up, I experienced the warmth and vitality of a great South Asian cultural institution – the mehfil – a spirited, informal gathering in an intimate, salon-style setting. In these hospitable mehfils, the guests listened to music and poetry, held impassioned discussions about the significant issues affecting the world and, most importantly, celebrated and connected with each other. I remember them as nights of great brilliance and inspiration, conversations and performances. This is what I want to bring to Oslo on a cold winter’s night – the joy, spirit and warmth of the mehfil, bringing together heroes of activism and art, to share, to eat, to drink, to talk, connect and enjoy….” – Deeyah Khan, curator & founder of WORLD WOMAN
What is World Woman?
WORLD WOMAN is an intimate global gathering of solidarity in Oslo — a convening of courageous and creative women. They are defenders of freedom of expression, campaigners for gender equality, peace, justice and human rights; they are known and unknown activists, artists, journalists, leaders, policymakers, scholars, and changemakers.
The participants are activists and artists who have found the compassion and strength to speak about the needs and reality of people who are suffering. Sometimes risking their own lives and livelihoods in the defence of individual freedom and equality, they give voice to the marginalised, the excluded, the silenced.
This gathering is a gesture of solidarity with these remarkable women, and a tribute to their bravery and their achievements. It is an opportunity to hear their stories, to experience their artistic expression and to develop dialogue across cultures and disciplines in order to strengthen our own voices and protect theirs.
The topics:
WORLD WOMAN will unfold over two days of talk and performance at Riksscenen in Oslo. The underlying theme of WORLD WOMAN 2015 is Freedom Of Expression.
On the 30th of January 2015, we will explore freedom of expression; women, art and activism; and the rise of violent extremism and jihadism.
On the 31st of January 2015, we will explore women and peace, women under occupation, violence against women, and the crisis of masculinity
Both days will finish with an evening concert
Check out the people who will be there.
Just the top row –
Nawal El Saadawi
Nawal El Saadawi is an internationally renowned writer, novelist, medical doctor and fighter for women rights. Her writing has influenced five generations of women and men in Egypt, in other Arab speaking countries as well as in many other societies, …
Shirin Ebadi
Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer, writer and human rights activist and founder of Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran. In 2003, she became the first Iranian to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her significant and pioneering …
You gonna go?