According to a recent UK parliamentary report, the music industry is a ‘boys’ club’ where discrimination and sexual harassment continue to prevail
What happened: Female artists face persistent gender disparities and challenges, Variety reports, citing an investigation conducted by the cross-party Women and Equalities Committee and chaired by the MP Caroline Nokes.
Industries identified as particularly male-dominated include A&R (artists and repertoire), sound engineering and production.
“Women’s creative and career potential should not be limited by the ‘endemic’ misogyny that has persisted in the music industry for too long,” Nokes said.
He stressed that the report focuses on improving safeguards, reporting mechanisms and necessary structural and legislative reforms.
The survey also addressed racism in the industry and highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by freelancers.
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Because matter: The committee calls for legislative action, proposing amendments to the Equality Act to ensure anti-discrimination protections for freelance workers, particularly those who suffer from intersectional inequality.
They recommend making employers responsible for protecting workers from sexual harassment by third parties and prohibiting the use of NDAs in cases of sexual abuse, harassment, misconduct, bullying or discrimination. The suggested legislation should also include a moratorium on NDAs previously signed in such circumstances.
The report highlights the potential impact of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) in tackling unacceptable behavior and reducing harm in the music industry. CIISA, due to launch later this year, aims to serve as a confidential reporting platform for those in the creative industries. It will publish industry-wide standards that promote inclusivity and address negative behaviors.
Nokes highlighted the need for transformative change in the behavior of men within the music industry, saying that ending “endemic” misogyny is crucial to empowering talented women.
She noted: “However, a change in the behavior of men – and it is almost always men – at the heart of the music industry is the transformative change needed for talented women to literally make their voices heard and be recognized and rewarded Conditions the same.”
Support for the report comes from various industry bodies, including Black Lives in Music and UK Music. Charisse Beaumont of Black Lives in Music validated the report’s findings, highlighting the challenges faced by Black women in the industry.
A spokesperson for CIISA said the organisation, which will launch later this year, will be a “‘one-stop gateway’ for those working in the music industry – and across all creative industries – to report into confidentially and use this information to raise awareness and address concerns directly.”
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