A powerhouse line-up is set to open the Sydney Opera House’s 14th All About Women festival, returning on Sunday 8 March 2026 to coincide with International Women’s Day.
And Sydney Opera House has revealed today the first speakers will include Jacinda Ardern, Zadie Smith, Emily Maitlis and Laila Lalami.
All About Women
Every year, the Opera House becomes a vibrant meeting place for bold ideas as All About Women fills the precinct with conversations, debates and workshops that unpack the most urgent issues shaping gender equality today. The first reveal of the 2026 program brings four remarkable women to the stage:
- Jacinda Ardern – The former Prime Minister of New Zealand appears following the global success of her 2025 documentary and bestselling memoir. She will delve into her redefinition of modern leadership and what the future might hold for women in positions of power.
- Zadie Smith – The celebrated British writer will take audiences on a sharp, witty tour through the cultural and political turbulence of our times, drawing from her newly released essay collection Dead and Alive.
- Emily Maitlis – The award-winning journalist, known for her headline-making interview with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and now co-host of The News Agents podcast, will discuss journalism’s responsibility to challenge authority and pursue truth, reflecting on her long career engaging with global leaders.
- Laila Lalami – The acclaimed Moroccan-American novelist and essayist will speak about her latest book The Dream Hotel, her broader literary work and her exploration of identity, migration and freedom across gender, race and faith.
This year’s festival program is crafted by the Opera House Talks & Ideas team: Head of Talks & Ideas Chip Rolley, Director of Programming Brenna Hobson and Senior Producer Fleur Mitchell.
“Our programming team has brought together an exceptional group for the fourteenth All About Women,” Rolley said. “From Zadie Smith’s piercing cultural insights and Jacinda Ardern’s transformative approach to leadership, to Emily Maitlis’ fearless journalism and Laila Lalami’s explorations of the immigrant experience, these speakers reflect the depth and ambition of this festival.”
The full All About Women 2026 program, featuring Australian and international thinkers, creators and change-makers, will be unveiled in January.
Key Details
What: All About Women 2026
When: 8 March 2026
Where: Sydney Opera House – various venues
Price: Tickets from $35
Tickets: Insiders pre-sale opens Tuesday 2 December, 9am