To coincide with International Women's Day, Jude Kelly's "Women Of The World" festival is now in its third year at The Southbank Centre in London. Over four days the programme has symposiums and events covering all topics surrounding everything from war, peace, race, beauty, religion, sex............ specifically how they are experienced from a female perspective and how to actively put in place change for future generation's progress. This year's activities began on Wednesday and conclude on Sunday so make sure to visit if you haven't already! I popped down today for a panel discussion on "how black women fit into today's popular culture" - hinged on Bell Hooks seminal book "Ain't I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism" . Just before hearing Angelique Kidjo's views on resisting the music industry's demons that dictate an artist's direction and Kieren Yates specialist critic on the Rihanna debate ......... I visited Phoebe Davies nail bar installation for a female icon manicure! I opted for Coco Chanel in homage to nail-art queen Mandi Lennard, whilst the full sets comprise of Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks thru to Olive Morris and MC Lyte (pictured above). Head down to the WOW market to get your digits done tomorrow - you can chose from forty female faces and then nominate your own hero for the next set to go into production.
Look up the full programme here.
