What Women Want…Magazine, proudly announces the launch of its very first 16 Days of Activism Community Festival in partnership with Pathfinder International and UNFPA and Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Development. 

The community festival, running from November 27th to December 1st, 2024, is an event curated to celebrate the communities that support women and empower the stories of the survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the 16 Days of activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign through art, talks, panels, films and theatre. Hosted at Al-Ismaelia’s iconic venues in the heart of Cairo, Downtown—Cinema Radio, the Factory, and the Warehouse—the festival gathers a powerful blend of creativity, conversation, and inspiration.

The five-day festival, in partnership with UNFPA and Pathfinder International, brings together diverse voices of hope and aims to highlight difficult conversations through art and a sense of community. The event creates a platform to shed light on the inspiring stories of survivors, foster meaningful conversations, and inspire collective hope.

Through its diverse agenda, the festival explores the impact of art and activism. Panels will delve into important topics, including fragile masculinity, cultural upbringing, survivors’ stories, and the societal challenges faced by women. The thought-provoking discussions will dissect the root causes behind GBV and offer actionable steps to create safer communities. In addition, immersive exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings will showcase the stories of survivors, the impressive work of key figures in this ecosystem, and strategies for advocacy, personal empowerment, and allyship. These interactive sessions are designed to make every participant feel heard and valued while equipping them with tools to drive change within their own communities. The festival encourages attendees to share their stories and thoughts, fostering a conversation to drive meaningful progress.

What Women Want…Magazine is hosting the event in Downtown Cairo, a place that highlights the importance of community and holds cultural heritage. The festival’s activities are divided among the historic spaces of Cinema Radio, the Warehouse, and the Factory, venues where art, dialogue, and advocacy intersect to inspire. From thought-provoking exhibitions to collaborative workshops and powerful films, every aspect of the festival has been carefully curated to spark meaningful change.

This event is a testament to the enduring power of community-driven initiatives and the role of art as a catalyst for social change. What Women Want…Magazine demonstrates its ongoing commitment to addressing social issues and empowering women and survivors through storytelling, advocacy, and action.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign around the globe that calls for combating violence against children and women through various activities, and this year’s theme is unity, this is why What Women Want…Magazine has brought everyone together to contribute in changing the narrative.