Women are dominating music, but what's happening behind the scenes?
Women are dominating music, but what's happening behind the scenes?
International Women's Day is a powerful global celebration that recognises the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. It serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made in the fight for gender equality, highlighting the accomplishments of inspiring women in various fields.
However, amidst the festivities, it is crucial to acknowledge the stark reality that many women still face. Issues such as gender-based violence, unequal opportunities, and discrimination persist in various parts of the world. While celebrating the achievements of women is essential, International Women's Day also calls for a collective reflection on the challenges that persist, urging society to work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all women. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions to address the systemic barriers that hinder the full realisation of women's rights worldwide.
2023 saw a landmark year for women artists in the UK; seven of the top 10 tracks and 13 of the top 20 were by women. And over the past few weeks, we’ve seen women continue to dominate music, with record wins at the Grammys, women making up over half of Brit nominees, and positive statistics in the Women in CTRL Seat At The Table Report.
However, behind these achievements, which are to be celebrated, lies a wider picture of deep-rooted underrepresentation in the music industry. In the same month, we also saw the UK Women & Equalities Committee publish the Misogyny in Music Report, a stark reality check for the day-to-day life for most women in the industry.
“Women working in the music industry face limitations in opportunity, a lack of support, gender discrimination and sexual harassment and assault as well as the persistent issue of unequal pay in a sector dominated by self-employment and gendered power imbalances.”
“Women’s creative and career potential should not have limits placed upon it by ‘endemic’ misogyny which has persisted for far too long within the music industry,” said Noakes. “Our report rightly focuses on improving protections and reporting mechanisms, and on necessary structural and legislative reforms.”
“However, a shift in the behaviour of men—and it is almost always men – at the heart of the music industry is the transformative change needed for talented women to quite literally have their voices heard and be both recognised and rewarded on equal terms.”
Abuse and discrimination are not unique to the industry but they are amplified in music by the high number of freelance workers in the sector—which gives rise to significant power imbalances in working relationships and precarious employment practices—and the informal nature of many workplaces which, together with late-night working, often in places where alcohol and drugs are available, can result in women working in environments that are unsafe.
In January, we published our first FAC Insights of the year, from Jen Smith of CIISA, which is being set up to help tackle bullying, discrimination and harassment. The formation of CIISA was a key recommendation in the above report and we are hugely supportive of its creation. We are supporting the setup of CIISA, as it is vital that freelancers have a safe space to report issues.
Every woman should have the freedom to live their life without the constraints of societal expectations and gender-based prejudice. This goes beyond just the workplace — it extends to education, healthcare, and all facets of life. Women, regardless of their background, should have equal access to opportunities and resources, ensuring they can pursue their aspirations without limitations.
This International Women's Day, let us not only reflect on the progress made but also renew our commitment to the ongoing struggle for gender equality. By celebrating the women in our lives and advocating for a more inclusive world, we contribute to a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can live freely and pursue their dreams without hindrance.
Moreover, it is crucial to recognise that the struggle for equality encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including trans, non-binary, and queer people. In 2024, many still face discrimination and lack essential support, be it socially, politically, or medically. The fight for gender equality must be inclusive, addressing the intersecting challenges that women of all backgrounds encounter.
We encourage you to take a look at part in training to help combat sexism and misogyny in the workplace, for example, taking part in Challenging Sexism Training.
Here are some useful resources and support links:
Billie Morton Riley, Membership & Comms Coordinator, FAC