Latest Musician Census Report Reveals Challenges Facing Women Musicians

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Half of women in the music industry experience gender discrimination and a third are sexually harassed, according to responses to the first UK Musician Census conducted by the Musicians' Union and charity Help Musicians.

Musician Demographics

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Of the 5,867 responses in the Musician Census, 2,526 (43%) described themselves as female, 3,172 (54%) described themselves as male, 128 (2%) described their gender in another way, and 41 (1%) preferred not to answer. Data from the Musician Census report found that women musicians face higher levels of discrimination, sexual harassment, financial challenges and structural barriers in the music industry compared to men. Additionally, the report highlights that women in the music industry are paid less and have shorter career longevity. Only 19% of those earning £70,000 or more are women, according to the report. 27% of women and 20% of men say they do not earn enough money to support themselves and their families. And 30% of women and 21% of men say they have encountered age discrimination. In addition to financial barriers, women face more frequent and significant structural barriers to career advancement than wider musicians.

I recommend you read the entire report, I will add the links below.

For more information;

• Musicians' Union
• Help Musicians
• Musicians' Census report article
• Musicians' Census report (pdf)
• Musicians’ Census report (docx)

The report makes clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure that working as a musician is equal for equitable for all. It is truly alarming to witness gender disparities still persist in the music industry and in every field. To be honest I was very surprised by the UK Musicians’ Census report, if this is the case in UK I can't imagine other countries. I think that the common problems faced by women musicians around the world, such as discrimination, harassment and unequal pay, must be addressed as soon as possible, and these are truly worrying and very important issues. And the authorities should immediately take decisive and realistic steps on this issue.

Music is powerful enough to change lives. Enjoy the music and stay with Love.