The Queen hosts a reception for International Women's Day and the 15th year of WOW

Having supported the organisation since its inception in 2010, Her Majesty became President of WOW in 2015, and regularly attends the WOW Festival in London and events around the world. 

Women of the World is a global alliance of partners, working together to drive an equal and inclusive future for women, girls and non-binary people. Its impact is delivered through festivals, events, leadership programmes and knowledge sharing.

Since 2010, with 33 global delivery partners, WOW has delivered 150 festivals and programmes, across 71 places and six continents, inspiring millions of participants to take action and make change. WOW has worked in locations including Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Finland, Greece, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Somaliland, the UK and the USA.

This year marks The Queen’s tenth consecutive year hosting a reception for WOW. Addressing guests at today's reception, Her Majesty said:

To every survivor of every kind of violence, many of whom have not been able to tell their stories or who have not been believed, please know that you are not alone.  We stand with you and alongside you, today and every day, in solidarity, sorrow and sympathy.  

Read Her Majesty's speech in full here.

During the reception, The Queen was joined by the Founder Director of WOW, Jude Kelly CBE, to meet guests including supporters and staff, women leading in their fields from the arts to education and business, and people working to eradicate violence against women and girls.