Women in Music

There are various challenges female musicians face, such as lack of representation, sexism and sexual harassment, issues connected to child care and maternity rights. Navigating the music industry as a woman has it’s specific challenges.

Guidance & advice

Sample Policy

Menopause at Work

A template to help employers in the music sector support people experiencing symptoms of the menopause.

Maternity, Adoption and Parental Rights at Work

Guidance pack on pay, leave and other rights at work for musicians who are becoming parents.

Sample policy

Breastfeeding at Work

This sample policy for breastfeeding at work is designed for anyone working in the music sector.

Gender and women's rights in the workplace

Rights of Women

Legal advice and support for women

Parental Grant for MU Members

Grants of £275 are available to both male and female MU members.

Harassment & discrimination

#ProtectFreelancersToo

End Sexual Harassment at Work

Join the call for stronger protections from sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Report in confidence

MU Safe Space

A safe space for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse at work.

Sexual Harassment at Work

Get legal and practical advice on appropriate behaviour at work, find help resources and find out how to develop a Sexual Harassment Policy.

For employers

Music Sector Code of Practice

Find out about our joint music sector code of practice and which music organisations already signed up for it.

Latest news and features

Explore the latest on the issues of gender discrimination in music.

A group of people at an anti fascist march holding banners and placards.

Join Scotland’s St Andrew’s Day March Against Racism and Fascism

Scotland’s trade union and anti-racist movement is coming together once again for the STUC St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism March and Rally in Glasgow.

Published: 13 November 2026

We Must Keep Music Alive: Nupur Paliwal on Solidarity, Culture and the Right to Perform

At the 2026 MU Scotland & Northern Ireland AGM, guest speaker Nupur Paliwal, President of the Students Federation of India UK, explored how music and public performance spaces can drive social change, bring communities together and help defend the right to perform.

Published: 30 October 2026

Wendy standing at the front of the room in front of a lectern, behind her is a screen saying

MU Delegates Call for Action on Harassment in Music at STUC Women's Conference 2026

The MU took the campaign to end harassment in Scotland's music industry to the 99th STUC Women's Conference, where delegates unanimously backed a motion calling for stronger protections, Fair Work principles and improved accountability across the sector.

Published: 27 October 2026

Six women on stage in front of an audience. Behind them is a screen saying

‘Measuring Minutes’: Taking Stock of Representation in Global Orchestral Programming with Donne Women in Music

Donne Women in Music’s latest report reveals how underrepresented composers receive a smaller share of orchestral programme time than their share of programmed works, highlighting persistent inequalities in global repertoire.

Published: 14 October 2026

Making Waves: Creating Your Own Opportunities as an Independent Musician

After turning a love of swimming into a fully funded EP, music video and poolside live show, young musician and Wales & South West England Regional Committee member Poppy Rose reflects on the value of backing yourself, embracing niche ideas and making opportunities happen on your own terms.

Published: 14 October 2026

CIISA Launches Confidential Reporting Service for Creative Industries

Workers and organisations across the music, theatre, film and TV sectors can now report concerns of harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other harmful practices through CIISA's new confidential reporting service.

Published: 13 October 2026

MU Members’ Assembly Elects Chair Team For Two-Year Term

Sarah Sayeed and Ben Lunn have been elected as Co-Chairs of the MU Members’ Assembly for a two-year term.

Published: 09 October 2026

Girls I Rate

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Keychange

Get support as a woman musician through MU membership

Access our expert music industry advice and services as a woman music artist, whether you are a full-time or part-time music professional, employed, freelance, teaching or recording from home.

Make the most out of MU membership

A wealth of advice and resources for women working in music
Musician-specific healthcare services
Advice on workplace rights and access to a parental grant
Be part of community of women musicians to connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

Join now

Get support as a woman musician through MU membership

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