The Women of the World Festival was launched in Beijing at the Tianqiao Performing Arts Center on Sept 16, drawing more than 3,000 people. With a variety of programs, including talks, performances and exhibitions, the festival aims to both celebrate women’s achievements and talk about the challenges they still face.

The festival, which runs through September, will see female artists such as actress Chen Shu and dancer-choreographer Wang Yuanyuan participate in the activities.

The festival was launched in Britain by Jude Kelly, artistic director of London’s Southbank Center, among the country’s largest cultural institutions.

“It (the festival) belongs to women of the world,” Kelly said at the opening ceremony in Beijing.

So far, the festival has been held in 20 cities across the world.