Celebrating 15 Years of WOW: International Women’s Day 2025
Image by Alice Boagey courtesy of Royal Albert Hall
WOW – Women of the World, a global movement for gender equality, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025. To mark this milestone, WOW is partnering with the Royal Albert Hall for a special event, "WOW at 15," on Saturday, 8 March, in celebration of International Women’s Day. This one-off evening of inspiration and unity will be headlined by renowned activist and scholar Angela Davis, alongside WOW founder Jude Kelly CBE, and other guests yet to be announced.
Angela Davis, a legendary figure in political activism and philosophy, will join Jude Kelly in a conversation that centres on love, activism, and community building during times of division. Davis’s presence marks her first in-person appearance in the UK in over five years, making the event even more special. Their discussion will emphasise the power of collective action, the importance of standing together, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Davis has been a friend and supporter of WOW for many years, and her contributions to equity and social justice have inspired generations.
Image by KK Ottesen courtesy of Royal Albert Hall
In addition to this conversation, the event will also feature the world premiere of a specially commissioned work for the Royal Albert Hall, written by award-winning composer Isobel Waller-Bridge. The piece will be performed by the acclaimed organist, conductor, and composer Anna Lapwood, adding a unique artistic element to the celebration. This performance represents WOW’s dedication to amplifying the voices of women in all fields, from activism to the arts.
Founded in 2010 by Jude Kelly, WOW has grown into one of the largest festivals dedicated to gender equality, with events spanning six continents and engaging over five million people. WOW’s mission is to provide a platform for women, girls, and non-binary people to come together, celebrate their achievements, and address the pressing challenges they continue to face. As Kelly reflects on the 15-year journey, she notes that while WOW has made significant strides, there is still much work to be done.
“2025 marks an incredible milestone for WOW – something that started as a dream of mine 15 years ago is now a global movement run by 30 like-minded partners in 45 locations across six continents,” says Kelly. “It is an extraordinary moment, but also a bittersweet one. I would love to be able to say that WOW, in its 15th year, is no longer needed, however this is not the case. Our anniversary year will serve to renew all our energies, and despite setbacks, help sustain optimism and joy that will ultimately enable gender equity to be achieved.”
Image by Ellie Kurttz courtesy of Royal Albert Hall
Davis echoes these sentiments, expressing her excitement to return to the UK for this significant event. “I have appeared a number of times at the festival and am always inspired by its energy and mission. I'm excited to see what the next 15 years bring.”
WOW at 15 promises to be a powerful evening of reflection, celebration, and action, reminding us of the importance of continued efforts toward gender equality. With support from partners like Bloomberg and Standard Chartered, WOW continues to provide platforms for people worldwide to drive change in their own communities.
Tickets for the event start at £20, with a special allocation of £10 tickets for community and school groups. The event promises to bring people together to celebrate progress and inspire further change.
Tickets go on sale on Friday, 20 September, via the Royal Albert Hall website
