The Yangon Women’s Festival, a colourful event celebrating the women of Burma, will be held in the former capital from 2-8 March.

The event starts on International Women’s Day and is the first of its kind in Burma, aimed at female empowerment, recognising women’s contributions to society, and breaking down long-standing gender stigmas.

The project is a collaborated effort by events agency Stork and production studio Developing Music. Entrance to the festival’s concerts, workshops, film exhibitions and visual treats will be free of charge.

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“We want to promote the role of women in Burma and also share the experience and feelings of female artists and skilled professionals,” the project’s organising committee member Yamin Aye said, adding that the event showcases the successes and achievements of women across different fields.

Featured artists include Burma’s first all-girl pop group Myanmar Girls and Hong Kong-born DJ Janette Slack, among many other well-known musicians, who say they wish to inspire a new generation to play a more active role in advocating women’s rights and developing gender equality in Burma. Events will be held across various venues in Rangoon such as Gekko and Union Bar.

The closing ceremony is scheduled to take place at the French Institute in Prome Road.

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