Cultural Life, Arts and Expression

Meet 10 women from around the world who are leaders in the cultural sector. Introduced by Jude Kelly.

Jude Kelly at WOW London 2020 (2020-03-08) by Ellie KurttzWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Cultural Sporting & Creative
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Jude Kelly introduces the theme of Culture & Self-Expression

"We've started to witness something that no century before has ever done, as the gender barriers come down and creativity surges forward. The achievements in these areas really are astonishing - what a shame we have waited so long to see them!"

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Lyari Boxing Girls (2020) by Khaula JamilWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Lyari Boxing Girls - Athletes - Karachi

"Boxing is in our blood but only the men in the family have been allowed to pursue the sport. We want to train and compete and put in our best efforts – we should not be held back because we are girls!"

Learn more about the Lyari Boxing Girls

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Canan (2020) by Elif KahveciWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Canan - Artist & Activist - Istanbul

"An artist is simply an artist. An artist’s work is independent of one’s sex, race or age. I observe that this distinction is gradually vanishing among the new generation of artists."

Learn more about Canan

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Sarita Thulung (2020) by Buna DhuganaWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Sarita Thulung - Swimmer & Wheelchair Dancer - Kathmandu

""Sports and art both seem to be entertainment but for human beings it is not only entertainment but a necessity to lead a healthy life. But for people living with disability it is mostly taken as a luxury and my aim is to make people aware that people living with disabilities’ also have needs and wants in relation to culture, art and sports. "

Learn more about Sarita

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Kaê Guajajara (2020) by Aline FonsecaWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Kaê Guajajara - Singer - Rio de Janeiro

"Being able to watch my work gain different spaces and institutions where we wouldn’t be seen before makes me conscious that I’m on the right track to take indigenous representation to places where the story was only told before from a colonised power structure perspective. I want to keep telling our story for those who need to hear it the most.”

Learn more about Kaê

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Lu Huang (2020) by Liao LuluWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Lu Huang - Actress - Beijing

"Whether it's Xuemei Bai in the mountains or Bebe, a wandering Chinese immigrant mother in America, I can always see a kind of tenacious strength in the women characters I played. Their beauty is about resilience and giving voice."

Learn more about Lu

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Lennie Goodings (2020) by Paula Abu "Narcography"WOW - Women of the World Foundation

Lennie Goodings - Publisher - London

"Changing the world is a work in progress and tension – creative, bracing and challenging – is an integral, even exciting, part of change. Onward, I say!"

Learn more about Lennie

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Nadifa (2020) by Ghazal, a Storytelling Sister trained by Lotus FlowerWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Nadifa - Athlete & Coach - Kurdistan

"After the events of ISIS on women, girls and Shingal in general, I found that women were in a very weak situation [and] I said that sports will help them to protect themselves when they aren't with their brothers or parents."

Learn more about Nadifa

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Jasmine Norton (2020) by Khamaree "Kham" OwensWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Jasmine Norton - MD Chef - Baltimore

"Culinary art is a true expression of nurturing and comfort one trait in which women possess innately. We must continue to break down the barriers that displace women from a culture and a craft that was built on our backs." 

Learn more about Jasmine

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Wana Udobang (2020) by Mohini UfeliWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Wana Udobang - storyteller

"As people, as women, as creators, expression is part of our liberation practice. It is how we survive. It is how we thrive.” 

Cultural Life, Arts and Expression: Anisa Nandaula (2020) by Mana SalsaliWOW - Women of the World Foundation

Anisa Nandaula - Poet

"When we speak of culture, it is the thread that strings our being to lands many of us can never return. It is a manifestation of those lost and those to come. To assimilate and erase this is a loss for all parties. A loss for the carrier and the stranger who could've shared in this gift"

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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