WOW-ed by Candice Brathwaite and Grace Victory

*Candice Brathwaite and Grace Victory in conversation with Tobi Oredein at WOW 2022.*

When I saw an email from a work colleague about tickets to the Women of the World festival (or WOW as it’s more commonly known) I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve wanted to go for years. And this, being the first to run in-person since 2020 (because of ‘C’ who shall not be named) was destined to be a biggun’.

The line-up of women speaking at the festival across the weekend was mega. Bernadine Evaristo, Sandi Toksvig, Angela Davis!! (To name just a few). But it was a talk with author, presenter, and founder of Make Motherhood Diverse, Candice Brathwaite, and award-winning digital-first creator, Grace Victory, that I nabbed tickets for.

*Candice Brathwaite signing her books which were on sale at WOW across the weekend. (Sorry you missed ‘em).*

I’ve been an admirer of Brathwaite’s for a while now. Her straight-talking, no-nonsense, humour and absolutely sensational wardrobe drew me into becoming a part-time follower of her Instagram (you’re welcome), and full-time fangirl of basically everything she does. Her first book, I Am Not Your Baby Mother (2020) was a best-seller and she’s already released another, Sista Sister (both of which I highly recommend checking out). So, when I saw she’d be speaking at this year’s WOW Festival, I was excited. They say, don’t meet your heroes – but Candice was even more radiant, hilarious and wise in person.

*Grace Victory in her glorious WOW look (insert flame emojis here)*

Victory, however, I hadn’t come across before - and feel very fortunate to have now discovered. It soon became clear that this was to be a fairly momentous event for her. It marked Victory’s first in-person appearance since the birth of her son, during which (due to COVID complications) she had to be induced into a coma to save her life. (She bravely shared a lot about this experience with us during the event).

The two-hour talk flew by. Brathwaite and Victory shared personal experiences with mental health, discussed maternal mortality rates for Black women in Britain and how they both grew their careers to encompass writing, fashion and presenting whilst inspiring others in their journeys to motherhood.

It was an enlightening and inspirational evening hearing about the traumas and triumphs both powerhouses have experienced in their lives so far - and the hopes and visions they have for their children’s futures in the UK.

I learned and laughed a lot. If you get a chance to engulf any content these two women put out in the world, please do yourselves a favour and dooo it.

I cannot recommend attending next year’s event more. As well as talks like the one I attended, WOW plays host to live music and pop-up stalls selling glorious products from female-owned businesses and charities - I nabbed my new favourite necklace from Tatty Devine (check ‘em out). There are also workshops and sessions providing tools and training to help support women in their careers and fight for equality. Plus so so much more - even an under 10s feminism corner. (Feminist fun for all the family, what’s not to love!?)