5 Reasons All About Women Will Leave You Challenged, Inspired and Informed

All About Women is back in 2023, and this year’s lineup has a plethora of forward-thinking, game-changing, and trail-blazing speakers and moderators that’ll leave you both inspired and in awe.

From Saturday 11 – Monday 13 March, the Sydney Opera House will host three full days of talks, panels, and Q&As, across a variety of topics, meaning there’s something for everyone. With a lineup co-curated by Future Women’s Jamila Rizvi, author Dr. Amy Thunig, commentator Jane Caro AM and Sydney Opera House’s own Head of Talks & Ideas Chip Rolley, All About Women 2023 is packed full of opportunities to challenge your mind, while also connecting and bonding with a community of like-minded people.

Just in case you need that extra reminder of what you might miss, here are some reasons that All About Women 2023 is a must for your March.

You’ll Get the Australian-Exclusive Opportunity to Witness a Live Chat with Jennette McCurdy

At the top of this year’s bill lies author Jennette McCurdy, whose debut novel I’m Glad My Mom Died has dominated literature fans and beyond since its release in 2022. A memoir that is as heart-wrenching as it is hilarious, McCurdy uses her pointed sense of humour to deal with grief, abuse and trauma. She’s set to bring that same sense of humour to the Sydney Opera House on Sunday March 12 in an Australian-exclusive chat, showcasing just how she reclaimed her life.

There’s a special treat if you’re unable to make it to Sydney for McCurdy’s chat: it will be live-streamed via the Sydney Opera House’s streaming service, Stream.

You’ll See How Women Are Sparking Revolutions Around the World Right Now

Several panels at All About Women will spotlight how women across the world are fighting for their rights, from grassroots levels to full-scale revolutions. ‘The War on Women’ will give audiences a chance to see inspiring thought-leaders like Another Day at the Colony author Chelsea Watego, Feminist Giant editor Mona Eltahawy and Pakistani journalist Fatima Bhutto will talk about why societies around the world are continuing to fight against women, and what women can do to resist.

Diving even deeper into the women-led uprising in Iran following the death of Masha Amini in police custody, ‘Iran: Woman, Life, Freedom’ will delve into just how powerful protest can be, and what Australians can do to help. The panel will feature journalists Dr. Saba Vasefi and Shokoofeh Azar, scholar of Islam Dr. Kylie Moore-Gilbert and Iranian-Australian musician Gelareh Pour, and will also be closed with a performance by the latter.

You’ll Hear The Minds and Music of the Riot Grrrl Movement Pioneers

Bikini Kill is no stranger to challenging societal ideals. Having pioneered the riot grrrl movement in the 90s, which fused punk music and feminism in ways we can still see in 2023, the band is coming to Sydney to close out All About Women with a sure-to-be memorable and electric performance in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on Monday 13 March.

But, before that, the founding members, including Kathleen Hanna, will be speaking in their own panel, discussing how the ideas they charged onto the scene with 30 years ago are still pertinent to culture today.

You’ll Learn About What It’s Like to Live with Autism From Those Who Actually Do

While discussions around neurodivergence can often be told from an outsider’s perspective, All About Women is giving audiences a chance to hear and learn about autism the way it should be told — from people who actually live with it. With a panel including former Australian of the Year and fearless advocate Grace Tame and Heartbreak High star and vocal disability advocate Chloe Hayden, ‘Actually Autism’ will give insight into how we can all connect and make the world a more inclusive and accessible place for all.

You’ll Pull Back The Curtain on Cultural Trends, Like Girlbossing and Reality TV, With Your Favourite Influencers

Between scrolling on Instagram and flicking through reality television shows, it can be difficult to unplug yourself from these “guilty” pleasures. Various panels throughout All About Women will deconstruct these mediums and give crucial insight into how harmful they may or may not be. Brooke Blurton, author who made history for being the first Indigenous and bisexual Bachelorette, will be speaking on the truth behind reality TV romance, and whether these shows can foster healthy relationships, in ‘Finding Love in a Hopeless Place’.

Sydney Opera House’s All About Women is taking place from March 11 – 13. You can head to the festival’s official website to learn more about all the events taking place and snap up those remaining tickets. And if you can’t make it in person, a selection of this year’s panels and talks will be available to live-stream.