Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. Author Zadie Smith. Podcaster and author Yumi Stynes. Opera star Deborah Cheetham Fraillon. Journalist Emily Maitlis. Novelist Laila Lalami. These are just a few of the fun, fearless females taking over the Sydney Opera House for the annual All About Women festival, on March 8, 2026. The annual festival of feminist ideas marks International Women’s Day with a stellar line-up of over 30 guest speakers and storytellers who will engage in incisive yet inclusive conversations and commentary on gender, culture and equality.
Now in its 14th year, the festival will run from 10am to 7.30pm across multiple venues at the Opera House. The day-long event dives into the conversations shaping our world, from gender and power to culture, identity, money and modern love.
Expect Jacinda Ardern to reflect on "radical empathy" and redefining leadership. Yumi Stynes will tackle the mental load of long-term relationships. Chanté Joseph and Dr Lisa Portolan will unpack dating, digital romance and "heterofatalism". There’s a sharp look at medical misogyny with Summer May Finlay and Zoe Wainer. While Laila Lalami will explore AI, surveillance and belonging in her eerily timely novel The Dream Hotel.
You’ll also find practical empowerment in MoneyGirl, a financial literacy workshop designed to build confidence and control, plus vibrant discussions on ageing unapologetically, and the lived experiences of Arab-Australian women navigating identity and migration....
When it comes to pondering the important questions in life, Sydney isn’t one to back down. The city is never short of enthralling talks, panel discussions and Q&As on every topic and experience under the sun.
Sydneysiders looking to lap up specialised knowledge can check out big headline festivals like All About Women and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, or nab tickets to hear from international speakers on the subjects they know best. Plus, there are many venues that host talks throughout the year from local speakers, such as the Ethics Centre and the School of Life.
Once you’ve fed your mind, fill your belly at Sydney’s best restaurants and nourish your soul at the best spas in the city.
