Program released for Women of the World at Festival 2018

The Palaszczuk Government has today revealed the 2018 Commonwealth Games would be the first ever to include an entire program of events to support gender equality.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Women of the World event would be part of the Festival 2018 arts and culture program held throughout the Games in April.

The WOW program was launched today at Parliament House and the three-day event at Brisbane’s Powerhouse Museum will be the first time WOW had been included in any Commonwealth Games arts and culture program.

“Women of the World has been held in 23 countries on five continents and I’m proud to see it included in the Festival 2018 program for the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Jones said.

“It will be a highlight of the Festival 2018 program and it will give Queenslanders and visitors a unique opportunity to talk about the challenges we face in working towards a more gender equal society.

“The program of performance, workshops and activities will showcase women who are using their business skills and creativity to build cultural and social enterprises.

“Women of the World will start conversations which will support the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to increasing the representation of women in the workplace, and positions of influence in the community.

“We’re proud to host the first Commonwealth Games with an equal medal tally for men and women as well as gender parity of technical officials.

“The Commonwealth Games Federation is also delivering on its Gender Equality Strategy by hosting the first ever Women’s Coaching Internship Program as part of the 2018 Games.”

Minister for Women Di Farmer said equal representation of women in leadership, in the arts, in business and in sport brought benefits to the whole community.

“We know that when women are at the forefront, taking part and indeed leading the way, the outcomes are better for everyone,” Ms Farmer said.

“The WOW Festival is a powerful example of how the arts can advance the cause of gender equality and highlight the issues facing women in our community.”                                                                     

WOW Executive Producer in Australia Cathy Hunt said the eve of International Women’s Day was a fitting time to reveal the full program for this important and enjoyable global event.

“We are so grateful to the Queensland Government for making WOW part of the arts and cultural program of the Commonwealth Games for the first time, giving us such a great platform to pursue a new and more equal world,” she said.

“Join us at WOW at Festival 2018 for an energetic three days to celebrate the achievements of women at girls at home and across the Commonwealth, and to identify solutions to overcome barriers that still remain preventing women and girls from achieving their full potential.”

Tickets are now on sale for WOW at Festival 2018, to be held at the Brisbane Powerhouse from April 6-8. 

The Premier will take part in WOW when she joins a panel of speakers from across the Commonwealth to discuss current affairs in WOW Views in The News on Saturday, April 7.

To find out more visit www.wowaustralia.com.au

Media Contact:           Jack Harbour (Minister Jones) 0419 620 447