Five women with careers spanning the theatre, music and museum sectors take part in a panel discussion around the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: Choose to Challenge. Building on the premise that change comes from challenge, the participants will discuss their own experiences as women in the creative industries, the challenges they have faced and that women continue to face in these industries, and how they can use their influence to create positive change.

The event will be broadcast via YouTube at 7pm on 8 March.

The panellists:

Arifa Akbar is chief theatre critic for The Guardian. She was previously the literary editor of The Independent, and her first book, Consumed: A Sister’s Story, a memoir about sisterhood, grief, art and ill women, is published in June 2021.

Paule Constable is an award-winning lighting designer for opera, theatre and dance. Her recent work at the Royal Opera House includes Death in Venice, The Magic Flute and Elizabeth.

Indhu Rubasingham MBE is the Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, judge for several esteemed playwriting awards and a trustee for the Royal Opera House. She previously worked internationally as a freelance theatre director for over 20 years, and held Associate Director positions at the Gate Theatre, Birmingham Rep and Young Vic.

Frances Morris has been Director of Tate Modern since 2016. Alongside many exhibition projects and publications, Frances has led the transformation of Tate’s International Collection, strategically broadening and diversifying its international reach, developing the collection of live art and performance and pioneering new forms of museum display.

Pretty Yende is a critically acclaimed operatic soprano. She has performed leading roles at opera houses across the world, including the Royal Opera House, Opéra National de Paris and Metropolitan Opera, New York, and has released two solo albums; A Journey and Dreams.