International Women's Day: Women Theatre Leaders in the Spotlight

"International Women’s Rights Day and initiatives like ‘The 50%: Women in Leadership’ are needed because gender equality is still not a given.

Structures and norms continue to limit women’s opportunities, including in the cultural sector. For me, these days are a reminder of my responsibility as a leader: to create spaces where more voices are heard and where representation becomes action. At Göteborgs Stadsteater, I want our stories to reflect society — and help shape its future."

"International Women’s Rights Day reminds us that progress is never accidental — it is the result of continuous advocacy, solidarity, and structural commitment. Celebrating that 50% of ETC member theatres are now led by women is a meaningful milestone, but parity in numbers does not yet guarantee parity in influence or opportunity. Events like ‘The 50%’ create visibility and accountability, while reaffirming our shared responsibility to keep advancing equality in theatre and beyond.

For me, they affirm that representation in theatre leadership strengthens artistic vision, democratic values, and the future of European cultural institutions."

"As Principal of a leading performing arts institution in London, with a career in the theatre spanning over 40 years as an actress and director, I have seen first-hand how important it is to break down barriers to entry in order to nurture potential talent. For the UK to be a global leader in the performing arts we need to acknowledge the gender disparity in leadership in theatre, and recognise how we can support people in developing their careers. Through working together at events like these we can help raise awareness of these challenges, establish change, and improve accessibility in the theatrical arts."

"For the first time in its history, the Deutsches Theater is consistently dedicating its program to the female perspective, we embody the idea of ‘The 50%: Women in Leadership’ in our artistic practice. Around International Women's Day 2026 we are showing our productions The First Nasty Guy by Miranda July, which focuses on a woman emancipating herself from traditional role models, The Three Lives of Hannah Arendt, which tells the story of a great thinker, and The Marquise of O and –, in which we give the big stage to women who have experienced and survived sexual violence. Three powerful plays, directed by Sarah Kurze, Theresa Thomasberger, and Ildikó Gáspár, celebrate the power of emotions, the sharpness of thought, and the strength of dialogue."

"Leadership shapes culture, directs stories, and transforms society — without visibility, women’s leadership remains unseen, unheard, and undervalued. “The 50%: Women in Leadership” is more than a milestone — it is a call to make women visible where decisions are made, to dismantle structures that silence them, claim recognition, and build a cultural landscape where equality is fundamental, urgent, and indispensable for our shared future. We need to get used to the idea that when women are in leadership, they are in their natural environment, shaping healthier, bolder, and more dynamic cultural structures worldwide."