Making deep-seated misogyny in the music industry visible.
A year has passed since the release of the groundbreaking Misogyny in Music Report (2024), yet the music industry and education systems continue to struggle with deep-seated gender inequality. Despite the report’s clear recommendations, progress has been disappointingly slow. Now, a coalition of musicians, activists, researchers, and industry leaders is calling for urgent action to address these ongoing issues.
What’s at Stake?
The Misogyny in Music Report exposed the pervasive misogyny and power imbalances that hinder women and gender-diverse individuals in the music industry. From unequal opportunities to systemic harassment, the report outlined a path toward change. However, one year later, many of its recommendations remain unimplemented.
What Needs to Happen?
The coalition, including organizations like The F-List for Music, The 1752 Group, and Digital Fems, is urging the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) to take the following steps:
- Monitor Progress: Hold follow-up sessions to ensure that music education and industry bodies are implementing the report’s recommendations. Organizations like Music Mark, Arts Council England, and Conservatoires UK must be held accountable for addressing gender inequality.
- Enforce the Worker Protection Act (2024): This Act mandates that employers take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. However, there are concerns about its enforcement, particularly for self-employed and freelance workers. The WEC must ensure compliance and protect vulnerable workers.
- Address Emerging Challenges: The coalition highlights three critical areas that require further investigation:
- Contracts and Copyright: The music industry’s power structures are deeply tied to contracts and intellectual property laws, which often disadvantage women and gender-diverse individuals.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is not gender-neutral. Reports show that women are underrepresented on AI-generated playlists, and there are concerns that AI-generated voices could replace women’s voices in music, further marginalizing them in the industry.
A Call to Action
The signatories of the letter, including Dr Anna Bull, Vick Bain, Professor Eva Navarro and Thais Ruiz de Alda (Founder of Digital Fems), are calling for the WEC to take decisive action. They emphasize that the opportunities for change outlined in the 2024 report must not be squandered. The music industry and education systems must be held accountable for creating a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Join the Movement
If you believe in a future where the music industry is free from misogyny and gender inequality, now is the time to act. Share this post, support organizations working for change, and demand accountability from industry leaders. Together, we can create a music industry that truly values and empowers everyone.
