Max HeyraudAccording to a new survey, half of all women in the music business have faced discrimination. The research included around 2526 female identifying UK musicians.
The UK Musicians’ Census from Help Musicians and the Musicians’ published findings show that 51% of female musicians have experienced gender-based discrimination, compared to 6% of male respondents. The survey finds that women face additional obstacles in the workplace, such as discrimination, harassment, and barriers to career progression.
33% of women reported sexual harassment while working as musicians, and 25% reported seeing sexual harassment by others in the music industry. Women made up 62% of respondents who felt work-related abuse or harassment held them back from their professional growth.
Women were also found to be more qualified than males, however this does not transfer into greater pay. According to the research, 14% more women have a music degree, with 15% holding a postgraduate music certificate.
In terms of electronic music, just 29% of DJs and 24% of producers were women. Only 15% of women were live sound engineers, while 12% were studio/mastering engineers. Women made up the majority of classical music listeners, while musical theatre had the greatest female reply rate at 59% and 46%.
The survey also highlights a gender pay discrepancy, with a female musician’s average yearly wage being £19,850, compared to £21,750 for men. Women also account for only 19% of the top income group of individuals making £70,000 or more from music every year.
