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.

Hand stopping wooden dominos from falling, a proactive concept.

Worker Protection Act Comes into Force to Help Tackle Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Worker Protection Act 2024, which comes into force on 26 October, introduces a new Preventative Duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their workers and employees.

Published: 17 October 2024

A female at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Sarah Sayeed: "Members' Assembly is a Tangible Platform For Me to Have my Voice Heard"

Musician, composer and songwriter Sarah Sayeed shares her experience of joining the MU and what her role on the Members' Assembly means to her as a British South Asian female artist.

Published: 16 October 2024

Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

MU Celebrates Employment Rights Bill – A Major Win for Trade Unions

We welcome the Labour Government's new Employment Rights Bill, introducing measures that strengthen the collective voice of workers across the UK.

Published: 10 October 2024

DJ Paulette: Finding my Voice Through the Musicians’ Union

This Black History Month, musician and activist DJ Paulette shares how she uses her voice to help represent the electronic music industry, as well as ensuring that those who don’t necessarily fit the traditional musician role are heard and considered equally.

Published: 09 October 2024

Union Movement Backs Recommendations in Misogyny in Music Report

Unions call on TUC to lobby government to implement the recommendations from the Misogyny in Music report in full.

Published: 13 September 2024

MU Congratulates Errollyn Wallen Who Has Been Appointed Master of the King’s Music

The celebrated composer and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen, is first the Black woman to become Master of the King’s Music, and has been appointed by King Charles III to compose for special royal occasions.

Published: 30 August 2024

New MU Members’ Assembly Meets For the First Time

Musicians from across the UK recently came together in London for the first meeting of the Union’s new Members’ Assembly, which will explore MU policy issues and campaigns from diverse perspectives.

Published: 09 August 2024

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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