Committees

Misogyny in music: Is the music industry changing for women?

27 January 2025

The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) will hear from women working across the music industry during its follow-up evidence session in Parliament on Tuesday, 28 January, one year on from the publication of its report into Misogyny in music.

The evidence session will explore whether anything has changed in the sector's treatment of women over the last 12 months, following the committee's inquiry and examine what further challenges remain.

WEC’s report warned women pursuing careers in music face “endemic” misogyny and discrimination in a sector dominated by self-employment and gendered power imbalances, recommending wide-ranging improved protections and reporting mechanisms.

Discussion is expected to touch upon female artists’ representation and safety, non-disclosure agreements, expectations on women and intersectional issues, the work of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), maternity and the music industry and support for women.

Witnesses

Panel 1

(at 2.20pm)

  • Lucy Cox, freelance soprano singer, [in person]
  • Laura Snapes, Deputy Music Editor, The Guardian newspaper, [virtual]
  • Charisse Beaumont, Chief Executive, Black Lives in Music, [in person]

Panel 2

(from approximately 3pm)

  • Jen Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), [in person]
  • Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), [in person]
  • Naomi Pohl, General Secretary, Musicians' Union (MU), [in person]

Further information

Image: Adobe Stock