Content note: this article contains references to sexual assault that readers may find upsetting.

In the first inquiry of its kind, the Women and Equalities Committee has looked into the experiences of women in the UK music industry – and their findings are stark.

A new report by the committee, which is made up of MPs from across the political spectrum, confirms that female musicians and industry professionals face “endemic” misogyny and discrimination, despite increases in representation. Women working in the music industry face barriers in opportunity, sexual harassment and assault, a lack of support and unequal pay. And these issues are intensified for women with intersectional identities, particularly when it comes to racial discrimination.

The organisation Black Lives in Music (BLiM) gave evidence at the inquiry, using findings from its own research into the experiences of Black people in the UK music industry.

“I’m deeply moved by the findings of the [Women and Equalities Committee’s] misogyny in music report,” said Dr Charisse Beaumont, BLiM’s chief executive. 

“It validates our experiences, particularly those of Black women in the music industry. The data mirrors the challenges we face and amplifies our voices, calling for an industry where everyone, regardless of background, can flourish.” 

Dr Beaumont added that it is “crucial that our voices not only be heard but also acted upon”, and that a culture of safety, respect and empowerment must be fostered by the music industry.

The inquiry reported several key findings and subsequent recommendations:

The government should bring forward legal measures to prevent the use of non-disclosure agreements and other forms of confidentiality agreements in cases involving sexual abuse, harassment and misconduct, as well as in instances of bullying and discrimination related to a protected characteristic.

“Victims with little agency in the process are threatened into silence by organisations seeking to protect their reputation and the perpetrators of abuse who work for them,” the report states.

The Women and Equalities Committee also recommends that the Equality Act be amended to ensure freelance workers are provided with the same protections from discrimination as employees, and says measures should be brought in to improve protections for people facing intersectional inequality.

The committee is supportive of a new independent body, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), which was established to help to shine a light on unacceptable behaviour in the music industry. CIISA is expected to be up and running by the end of 2024; MPs said it “may reduce the risk of further harm” as “a single, recognisable body anyone in the industry can turn to for support and advice” . However, they expressed concern that existing “legislative barriers” may prevent CIISA from operating effectively.

“BLiM fully supports the recommendation for the music industry to collaborate with CIISA to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination,” said Dr Beaumont.

Music studios, venues, security staff and artist managers should be subject to licensing requirements focused on tackling sexual harassment, according to the report’s recommendations. MPs also urged the government to develop and introduce a new strategy in schools, aimed specifically at boys, addressing issues of misogyny, sexual harassment and gender-based violence. 

“The main problem at the heart of the music industry… is the behaviour of men – and it is almost always men,” the report reads.

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