Our panel addresses the special pressures women face when it comes to freedom of expression and how these might be challenged.

The right to freedom of expression plays a key role in ending gender-based discrimination. It has secured women hard-won freedoms to vote, organise, ensure equality before the law and control of their own bodies.

But these freedoms are not shared widely and are under attack by campaign groups, politicians and in the digital sphere where technology is used to silence women. How do we ensure that all women can benefit from fundamental human rights and where does the right to freedom of expression play a part?

Kurdish writer and human rights defender Nurcan Baysal joins Jennifer Clement (President of PEN International) and the Afghan writer and broadcaster Zarghuna Kargar. Chaired by Hannah Trevarthen (English PEN).

This event is in association with Arts Council England and English PEN.

Please note: this is a pre-recorded event.

It’s important to us that ideas and debate are affordable to everyone. It’s also important that our commentators, artists, writers, poets and thinkers are paid. This is a Pay What You Can event. You are invited to choose your own contribution to the event, from £0 to £8. All proceeds go towards supporting our speakers and sustaining Bristol Ideas. The option to attend for free is available for all online events.

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Festival of Ideas: Are Women Losing the Battle for Freedom of Expression?