A festival celebrating women will aim to explore the most pressing topics facing females today.

Folkestone Quarterhouse and other venues in the town will host the week-long WOW: Women of the World festival. The programme has been put together by 63 local women and will include lunchtime talks covering topics such as how women have been affected by austerity, activism workshops, performances, walks, exhibitions and discussions about parenting and porn.

Quarterhouse director Allegra Galvin says: “We have been overwhelmed by the response from local women and their enthusiasm to contribute. I am delighted that we have put together such a varied programme.”

Highlights will include Bafta award-winner actress Jessica Hynes working with a group of young Kent women on their improvisation skills.

There will be a screening on Thursday, March 5 at 7.30pm of Wadjda, the Bafta winner for Best Foreign Film, which tells the story of a 10-year-old girl living in Saudi Arabia and her dream of owning her own bike.

Organisers are keen to stress that the festival is not just for women.

WOW: Women of the World begins on Monday, March 2 and ends on Saturday, March 7, with a music concert by Wild Women, Carol Grimes and Maiuko with guest musicians and singers. Visit www.quarterhouse. co.uk/festivals/wow-2015 for more details.