Gender inequality and injustices in the world are being put to the forefront with Voices Shaping the Future, a two-day series of thought-provoking conversations, moving performances and engaging workshops, led by changemakers, mentors and social commentators with big ideas.

Created by and for women and those wanting to explore views on gender equality and intersect injustice, the Voices Shaping the Future program will feature a National Youth Summit of 100 young women organised by Julia Gillard’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL), as well as a  Conversation Series and a Schools Day event for more than 200 Queensland school girls, including speed-mentoring on the Wheel of Brisbane.

The compelling Conversation Series will see four ticketed events held across two nights at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre. On Thursday October 19, two captivating chats will enthral audiences – Boys Will Be Boys and The Changemakers, Taking the Lead. Then, on Friday October 20, the conversation pivots to the Matilda’s impact and looking forward to Brisbane 2032 with Blow the Whistle, followed by a discussion of labels with The F‑Word – Are We There Yet?

The Voices Shaping the Future program wraps up with a breathtaking live concert – Spinifex Gum featuring Marliya – held at QPAC’s Concert Hall on Saturday October 20. Uplifting audiences across Australia, Spinifex Gum combines the beauty of a choir of young Indigenous female singers from far North Queensland and the Torres Strait with contemporary songwriting to create a powerful performance like no other.

Voices Shaping the Future is presented by QPAC and WOW – Women of the World Australia, with contributions from the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Australian Human Rights Commission.