On March 14, the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai celebrated International Women's Day at the Puli Hotel, welcoming 40 esteemed guests from the diplomatic, business, and cultural spheres. This year’s global theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress", set the stage for an evening of profound discussions on advancing gender equality.
The event featured two distinguished speakers whose work has significantly impacted both Swedish and Chinese cultural landscapes. Hilda Hellwig, an eminent Swedish theatre director, professor, and scenographer, who is currently in Shanghai for her new production of August Strindberg’s 'Miss Julie' set to premiere on April 24, delivered a captivating presentation on "Who is Miss Julie—in the play of August Strindberg?".
Following the evening’s first guest of honour, Kaimei Wang, a renowned curator and scholar known for her translations that have brought the insights of Ingmar Bergman to Chinese audiences, explored the role of Chinese contemporary art in addressing and sparking dialogue around gender issues. Her presentation highlighted how art serves as a powerful conduit for societal reflection and change.
The interaction between the speakers and the audience was particularly lively, with attendees engaging in an insightful Q&A session. The insights shared by our invited speakers not only enlightened our guests but also underscored the importance of cultural dialogue in advancing gender equality.
