On March 10, UNESCO hosted a special consultation in Paris titled “Art for All at the Heart of Tomorrow’s Cultural Policies” to celebrate International Women’s Day. This event brought together an impressive group of participants, including Ministers of Culture, policy experts, and cultural professionals, to discuss the critical role that women play in the cultural and creative sectors. The focus was on how future cultural policies can better support gender equity and inclusivity within the arts, ensuring that women’s contributions are recognized, valued, and fully integrated into cultural development around the world.
The consultation aimed to address the unique challenges faced by women in the arts, which have often been marginalized in terms of both representation and opportunities. Although progress has been made in recent years, gender disparities persist across many creative fields, and UNESCO’s gathering underscored the importance of proactive policy measures to bridge these gaps. During the discussions, the participants highlighted the necessity of providing women with greater access to resources, platforms, and decision-making roles within cultural institutions and creative industries.
One of the central themes of the event was the importance of integrating a gender-sensitive approach into national and international cultural policies. The event recognized the diverse experiences of women in the arts across different regions and cultures and emphasized the need for policies that are tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities of each context. This conversation was not only about acknowledging the obstacles but also about celebrating the immense contributions of women to the cultural landscape.
UNESCO’s consultation also emphasized the potential for the arts to serve as a tool for social change. By prioritizing gender equality and inclusivity in cultural policies, the sector can help break down societal stereotypes and create more diverse and equitable cultural narratives. The event underscored the role of the arts in shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and fostering a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.
This event was a timely reminder of the ongoing need for intentional and inclusive cultural policy that supports women in every facet of the cultural and creative sectors. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that still remain in achieving true gender parity in the arts worldwide.
