Every year, PEN International hosts a number of events around the world promoting freedom of expression and celebrating literature in a variety of ways. PEN Centres stage events such as literary festivals large and small, storytelling sessions with families and children, book clubs and everything in between. One important occasion to mark is the annual Day of the Imprisoned Writer, 15 November, which gives the entire PEN community a chance to celebrate our work across the world as well as drawing attention to the ongoing persecution faced by many writers today.
PEN International has four Committees, each of which works to develop and promote different areas of our work. They provide a vital connection between our members and our international activity, supporting campaigns and programmes while ensuring that the specific issues they represent are heard in their PEN Centres and at national and global levels.
Find out more about our Committees
Writers for Peace
Writers in Prison
Women Writers
Translation and Linguistic Rights
PEN International celebrates literature and promotes freedom of expression. Founded in 1921, our global community of writers now spans more than 100 countries. Our campaigns, events, publications and programmes aim to connect writers and readers wherever they are in the world.
