Palaszczuk, also Queensland's Minister for the Arts, was joined by the artistic director of London’s Southbank Centre Jude Kelly to announce support for the inaugural Women of the World (WOW) - Celebrating the Women of the Commonwealth event to be held in Brisbane early next year.

Brisbane-based non-profit organisation Of One Mind and Southbank Centre London will deliver the three-day event which it is claimed will connect, inspire and empower women and girls from around the Commonwealth to make change in their lives and communities.

Originating in London in 2010, WOW is now staged in 15 locations across five continents with more regions joining the global movement each year. 

"WOW will form part of the broader Gold Coast 2018 arts and cultural programme, ensuring the benefits of the Games extend far beyond the 11 days of sport and continue well into the future," Palaszczuk, currently visiting London for the start of the Queen's Baton Relay tomorrow, said. 

"The event encourages frank discussions about the barriers which prevent females from reaching their full potential, along with identifying possible solutions to overcome these challenges.

"I’m immensely proud to support WOW which will showcase the achievements of women and girls, their stories, challenges and creativity, as well as the extraordinary diversity of Commonwealth cultures and traditions."

WOW, to be staged at the Brisbane Powerhouse, will feature events including workshops, markets, exhibitions, performances, film and concerts.

Palaszczuk revealed the event would place a special focus on women and girls living in remote and regional parts of Queensland, as well as females in South-East Asia and the Pacific.

"We’re thrilled to act alongside the Commonwealth Games Federation in its capacity as a world leader and inspiration in addressing the ongoing challenge of gender inequality,” she said.

‘"On a global scale, WOW is smashing glass ceilings when it comes to gender inequality and this is something the Queensland Government is committed to supporting by welcoming the event to Brisbane.

"The momentum created by WOW will continue through the Games, which will be the first in the history of major multi-sport games to have an equal number of men’s and women’s medal events."

Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin claimed the event was the extension of the announcement last year that, for the first time in a major event, there would be the same number of medals for both men and women. 

"With equal number of medal moments for men and women for the first time ever at a major Games, Gold Coast 2018 will show just how far we have come since the first Games in 1930, when women competed in just over 10 per cent of medal events," she said. 

"With the support and commitment of the Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jude Kelly of WOW, together we take even greater steps towards the CGF’s, and the Commonwealth’s shared vision for gender equality when we meet on the Gold Coast next year."

Kelly, who had a leading role in the Cultural Olympiad during London 2012, said she was delighted to be working with women in Queensland to deliver the first ever WOW aligned with a Commonwealth Games.

"The diverse traditions and cultures, and the contrasting and shared experiences for women and girls within this huge global community, will contribute to a fascinating and life-changing WOW programme in 2018," she said. 

“The Commonwealth currently has a strong focus on improving opportunities for women and girls including economic empowerment, strengthening women’s leadership and ending violence against women and girls. 

"WOW is a means to stimulate action and change towards these objectives."

Gold Coast 2018 is due to take place from April 4 to 15 next year.