Omena U.’s Post

Sound bite from our conversation with Conchitta Bottse on the lack of representation in the Dutch music industry: Our discussion underscored the persistent underrepresentation of women of color in the Dutch music scene, stemming from historical biases, restricted access to networks, and systemic barriers. Industry gatekeepers and their unconscious biases significantly limit opportunities for diverse talent. To address these issues, we must implement bias training, diversify hiring practices, and establish transparent decision-making processes. Creating an inclusive and equitable environment involves mentorship programs, equitable pay policies, promoting diversity in leadership, and amplifying underrepresented voices. #DiversityInMusic #WomenInMusic #InclusiveIndustry #MentorshipMatters #AmplifyVoices

Sad news to all our music industry colleagues in the UK... 😢 "The UK Government has rejected recommendations to help protect women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination despite unequivocal backing from the creative industries watchdog CIISA and a myriad of female voices speaking out across the sector. In its response to WEC’s landmark January report on ‘Misogyny in Music’, the Government said it is “clear that everyone should be able to work in the music industry without being subject to misogyny”. However, it stopped short of accepting the WEC’s recommendations to transform industry protections, despite WEC’s warning women in music face “endemic” discrimination. It also recommended the Government should legislate to protect workers from sexual harassment by third parties, a proposal the Government initially supported and then rejected last year. On non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), the report cited distressing testimonies of victims “threatened into silence”, with WEC urging to prohibit NDAs in cases involving sexual abuse, harassment, misconduct and bullying. The Government plans to bring in such measures in higher education but did not support the recommendation to do so for music despite the compelling evidence presented. Chair of the WEC, Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP said: “The Committee’s report laid bare a “boys’ club” where sexual harassment and abuse is common and where ‘endemic’ misogyny has persisted for far too long.   “Following its shocking findings, women across the music industry have spoken out in the clearest possible terms about the need for transformative change. Improving protections and reporting mechanisms through necessary legislative and structural reforms are essential steps to achieving that.   “Ministers are letting women down with their feet dragging over NDAs. We have had platitudes and reassurance, but still no action despite evidence that the use of NDAs is rife, in far too many sectors, and they are being used to protect perpetrators and silence victims. “WEC is calling on the Government to re-think its stance, equip CIISA with the powers required to drive the changes needed or risk falling short over the action needed to protect women in the music industry from harassment and discrimination.” https://lnkd.in/dG2m4mFA #misogyny #musicbusiness #nda #harassment #discrimation #equality

Over a month ago, DONNE | Women in Music released a report highlighting a significant gender disparity in classical music. The findings revealed that 92.5% of the repertoire played by over 100 orchestras worldwide was composed by men. Donne Report 2024: https://lnkd.in/eyrinkn6 Our additional analysis shows that 89.9% of chief conductors are men, with only 10.1% being women. This stark contrast underscores the need for greater diversity and inclusion in orchestral leadership and programming. The women who have managed to break through this glass ceiling include Marin Alsop, Simone Young, #ElimChan, Kristiina Poska, #DaliaStasevska, #EvaOllikainen Intermusica, Han-Na Chang, #AnnaMariaHelsing, #JoannaMacGregor, #NathalieStutzmann and Mei-Ann Chen Read more about these findings: https://lnkd.in/eKFwV_kP

The Women's Music Business Association (WMBA) has unveiled its Board of Directors and Board of Officers for 2025, alongside the introduction of new members. This announcement reinforces WMBA's commitment to advancing and supporting women in the music industry. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these leaders will have in promoting inclusivity and fostering growth within the sector. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4UP-HSZ

Explore the phenomenon of media-crafted rivalries among female artists and its detrimental impact on their careers and personal lives. The team's latest article delves into how these conflicts are often manufactured for sensationalism, creating a toxic environment that hinders genuine collaboration. #FemaleArtists #MediaBias #WomenEmpowerment https://lnkd.in/djxzUQM4

The language in writing about women musicians must not describe them as outliers but reflect them as an integral part of the industry. For instance, when writing about a particular achievement of a music star, their gender need not be the focus. They should not be described as one of the best ‘female’ music stars, but rather as one of the ‘best music stars.’ Read more on the underrepresentation of women within the music industry at https://lnkd.in/ggXTNkuV #WomenInMusic #MusicWithoutBias #FemaleEmpowerment

Women are almost invisible on some radio formats in Canada, according to an extensive study by Dr. Jada Watson through her research program SongData. Share the Air: A Study of Gender Representation on Canadian Radio (2013-2023) was prepared in collaboration with Eugénie Tessier and in partnership with the National Arts Centre and Women in Music Canada. Share the Air: A Study of Gender Representation on Canadian Radio (2013-2023) aims to address this gap and focuses on radio as an entry point to discovery and exposure within the industry and examines gender representation across six radio formats in Canada. Taking an intersectional approach, this study investigates the rate of airplay for songs songs played between 2013 and 2023 to consider how often their songs are played across the national Country, Alternative Rock, Active Rock, Top 40, Mainstream Adult Contemporary, and Hot Adult Contemporary radio formats. This study was supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e3W9VwKG

Submission Deadline for BLiM Research Partner now Extended!   BLiM is extending the application cut-off date as it seeks a researcher to lead a study on racial inequalities in live music event licensing. The study will focus on the lack of transparency in event cancellations, police resource allocation, and biases in venue decision-making.   We seek a partner through an open tender process with a strong track record of conducting similar studies on issues affecting Black and Asian communities and/or promoting racial equality within the UK music industry. The partner must use a comprehensive research approach.   The live music industry is essential for cultural expression and the economy, but systemic racial disparities of any kind undermine fairness and potential. This research aims to comprehend the root causes and propose solutions.    It will certainly be a ground-breaking contribution to our industry, so if you would like to express interest or submit a proposal, please contact us at research@blim.org.uk no later than the new deadline of Wednesday, 7th August.    Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3yZ48dU #BlackLivesinMusic #Diversity #LiveMusic #Research #Academic #MusicIndustry #Inclusion #BlackMusic #BeingBlackinMusic #MusicProfessional #Industry #Change 

Women in Music: Faking It Till You Make It Discover the unique challenges women face in the male-dominated music industry. We explore how to navigate unwanted attention, maintain professionalism, and build genuine connections in this revealing discussion. #WomenInMusic #MusicIndustry #WomenInMusic #MusicIndustry #GenderEquality #IndustryChallenges #FemaleArtists #MusicCareers #Professionalism #Networking #MaleAttention #Respect

Ecstatic about the opportunity to highlight some game-changing, inspirational women for this week's Three to Read. Check it out below!