It's always pretty exciting to see new large-scale events come to Brisbane, and the Women of the World Festival is certainly attuned to my interests. A three-day discussion of women in contemporary Australia, the talks are as diverse as turning anger into action, being written out of history and women-centric prizes. It's going to be a pretty compelling few days. I've included some of my picks below.
FRIDAY 19 JUNE
Women and Power kicks off the day which is pretty awesome. Doubly awesome is the diverse backgrounds of the panelists, including Australia's first female Governor General, the first Aboriginal woman to run a commercial cattle station and the Artistic Director of London's Southbank Centre.
Jobs for the Boys has another terrific line up of panelists but focuses on women working in male dominated fields and the gender segregation in the Australian workforce. It's a compelling and under talked about topic and should be a real conversation stirrer.
Written Out: history or herstory? I'm pretty much guaranteed to recommend anything with Jane Caro, because she's great, but this panel also looks pretty awesome.
They've also got a Self Defence workshop on, which is pretty cool, covering everything from self-awareness in crisis situations, verbal tools and physical skills too.
SATURDAY 20 JUNE
The State of the Nation talks about the way women fit into current Australian society. From pay gaps, domestic violence and the way our first female prime minister was treated, this panel is invested in opening up the conversation.
The festival will also have Kirsty Sword Gusmao In Conversation, East Timor's former First Lady, which will definitely be worth checking out.
SUNDAY 21 JUNE
Mother Earth: women saving the planet is a topical panel with a compelling line up of activists.
The F Word's copy starts with 'I'm not a feminist, but...' which is pretty on point at the moment. Seeing a couple of big name women talking about the implications of the label should be a really interesting way to engage the day.
What to Read Now has state treasure, Suzy Wilson (owner of Riverbend Books and founder of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation) and QLA judge, Mary Phillip talking about reading.
Of course there is heaps more on at the WOW events. Check out the full program over on their website.
No comments:
Post a Comment