Women haveΒ always been grossly underrepresented, whether in the field of music, film, arts, or even comedy. Here are sixΒ path-breaking festivals that aim to change this, celebrate female power and achievement, and everything that’s awesome about the fairer sex.

 

1. Northern CaliforniaΒ Women’s Music Festival
When:Β October
Where:Β Modesto, California

Helping combat that growing gender imbalance in the lineups of large-scale music festivals is Northern CaliforniaΒ Women’s Music Festival. An all-women musical gathering that is a not-for-profit show, as it brings together music fans in acquiescenceΒ with homegrown and international female music stars; while raising funds for women’s causes in the community. The festival has included female artists from the spectrum of music, arts and comedy, andΒ it aims to push female headliners, even while actively working for troubling women’s issues. Artists like Grammy-nominated Tracy Bonham, metal rocker Lita Ford and punk group Go Betty Go featured on the lineup this year along with a host of other powerful voices.

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(Images via: linecheck.soundgirls.org & fox40.com)

 

2. Sappho Women: International Eressos Women’s Festival
When: September
Where: Skala Eressos, Greece

In September, which is mid-summer in Eressos, the small beach town welcomes hundreds of women for the annual pilgrimage to the birthplace of the lyric poet Sappho from the island of Lesbos. Two weeks filled with balmy nights, crystal blue waters, lazy days and dances under the stars, the festival celebrates women’s love for women. This isn’t just a festival, but a community that meets annually to celebrate Sappho, her legacy, and each other. The opening night is a spectacular event with a lineup of artists, performers and dancers who entertain attendees through the fortnight. Documentaries are screened, like the documentaryΒ Sappho Love & Life on Lesbos, there’s an alternative fashion show, workshops, community sessions and a whole lot more!

women4 women6(Images via: www.lesvosnews.net & Sappho Women/Facebook)

 

3. Mumbai Women’s International Film Festival
When: December
Where: Mumbai, India

One of the largest and most socially significant film festivals in Asia, Mumbai Women’s International Film Festival or MWIFF is held every year at the 67 year-old hostocial venue – Liberty Cinema. The hundred of films selected, all by female directors, are screened across a number of theatres across Mumbai. It attempts to balance out the lack of female representation in Indian film-making. The festival has screened filmsΒ by top notch female directors in India, likeΒ English VinglishΒ by Gauri Shinde,Β You Don’t Get Life a Second Time by Zoya Akhtar,Β Dhobighat by Kiran Rao,Β Talaash by Reema Kagti and Firaaq by Nandita Das.

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(Images via: Mumbai Women’s International Film Festival/Facebook)

 

 

4. Women of The World Festival
When: March
Where:Β South Bank Centre, London

This UK based eventΒ is all about women from countries across the globe. It’s a travelling festival that celebrates achievements of girls and women, and also looks at tackling obstacles that stop them from achieving their potential, with topics ranging from serious to extremely funny. This trailblazing festival is attended byΒ leaders, activists and innovators, who join inΒ the debate on wide-reaching subjects like politics, love, relationships, consent, war and peacekeeping, the refugee crisis, gay rights, the media, black women’s bodies, older women’s voices, and “whether we feel complicated about Beyonce”.

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5. Chicago Women’s Funny Festival
When: December
Where: Chicago, Illinois

In a male-dominated industry, not a lot of female comedians are able to make it. This festival is dedicated to only female comic artists, all of whom can leaveΒ you in stitches. The lineup mainly has sketch and stand-up artists and groups, with a mash upΒ of different comedic styles. With over 500 acts and across 4 stages in just 4 days, this festival is becoming bigger and bigger every year! Riding the new wave of energy in female comedy recently, this festival has been a massive success. Β Its popularity is reflective of the recognition of women in comedy worldwide, especially actresses and writers on film and television.

women12 women13(Images via: Chicago Women’s Funny Festival/Facebook)

 

6. Tekla Festival
When: April
Where: Stockholm, Sweden

The current percentage of women in technological working fields is merely 34%. Robin Carlsson, stage name Robyn, decided to change that. Launching Tekla, a festival for girls between ages 11 to 18, the singer aspires to encourage young women to hone and nurture their interest in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).Β Many young people, especially women today are intimidated by technology, even though it’s part of our daily regime. OvercomingΒ this hesitation with prospective career paths that involve technology, motivational speaking, workshops and of course, an unforgettable performance by Robyn herself, this festival looks pretty damn inspiring to us.

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(Images via: www.teklafestival.se)