Returning for the second time, Womanity is an all-day festival, which seeks to provide a forum for young people of all genders. The aim is to come together to create, learn and discuss gender-based issues, which affect their day-to-day lives.

Hosted this year by Modern Art Oxford, the day will be split into two sections: live music and interactive talks. Womanity sat down with a group of young men and women to find out what issues they think are important and interesting, the talks will cover a wide area of subjects ranging from music, art, education, culture and gender. These interactive talks allow the audience to participate as much, or as little as they are comfortable with.

Womanity is about celebration, education and unity.

2.00 pm-2.20 pm: What’s consent and why does it matter? (Eden Bailey)

A workshop discussing what ‘consent’ means, busting myths about sexual violence, and providing a safe environment to address damaging attitudes towards sexual violence. Participants are welcome to come to this workshop for as little or as long as they would like, and we will begin by establishing ‘house rules’ together so that everyone feels comfortable.

2.30 pm-2.50 pm: Then and Now: What happened? (Daniel Odong)

So much has changed in regards to the language which is seen as acceptable to use to one another in a school environment. How is it being challenged these days compared to 10 years ago?

3.00 pm-3.20 pm: Designing your own education (George Mendelson)

Education generally is a form of learning in which the knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next though story telling, discussion, teaching. Can we design our own learning, whilst sharing our stories opening up discussions rebuilding new ways for all children, young people and adults to continue to learn?

3.30 pm-3.50 pm: Music By Numbers (Olivia Havercroft)

Can you make a ‘perfect’ song? Scientific research has demonstrated that there are tempos, instruments and rhythms that are generally liked by most people. If you combine all these ‘good’ elements, can you make the perfect song? What happens if you make a song from instruments and sounds you dislike? This session will cover the science of what makes you enjoy music, and use this to compose your own ‘song by numbers’.

4.00 pm-4.20 pm: Gender Equality Issues In Developing Countries

Dr. Lana Duncalf has held Senior Management roles at some of the major International Humanitarian Organisations and Charities, such as Oxfam GB, United Nations, Red Cross as well as Ethical Business Services and has the first hand experience of managing multinational Gender equality related programmes in developing countries. Hear from her the consequences that gender equality in developing countries has on international businesses.

4.30 pm-4.50 pm: Black Women’s Blueprint (Sensi Mclean)

How have black women helped to shape history and how has it impacted on today’s society?

5.00 pm-5.20 pm: Artist talk with Toni Le Busque

Artist, doodleist and tattoist Toni Le Busque will be having an informal chat with local creative mentor George Mendelson about her story so far.

5.30 pm-5.50 pm: Why Does Gender Empowerment Matter to Everyone?

A discussion with the Youth Leaders and Young People from the Cheney Gender Empowerment Society.

7.00 pm-10.00 pm: Live music

• Duotone: An extraordinary musician who has, over the past few years become known for his ‘alternative and unique’ approach to playing the cello.
• Rainbow Reservoir: Melodic catchiness with a hard punk hilt.
• Tamara Parsons-Baker: One of Oxford’s finest singer-songwriters.
• I.M. Khalifa: A storyteller dabbling in the creative arts and its many forms.
• Mary James: A soulful, powerful and haunting sound.
• Young Women’s Music Project: Solo and group performances of tracks that the girls at YWMP have been recently working on.
• Hosted by Ithar MK

Womanity zines will be available, drawn and designed by Iman Mahdy and Nikki Caranzo. Exhibition by Modelling Change who use the creative arts to engage and empower girls aged 16 to 19 in the Oxfordshire area. ‘Hall of Femme’ curated by Charlie Henry, an interactive installation which will grow throughout the day as a roll call that lists women we should all know about.

More information at www.facebook.com/events/844152105647497. Tickets available from www.modernartoxford.org.uk/event/womanity