“We have the evidence of the issues, and we have the solutions to tackle them. What we need now is action from industry and action from government". Photo: Shutterstock.
The MU fully endorses the recommendations outlined in today’s Misogyny in Music: On Repeat report from the government’s Women and Equalities Committee.
The report highlights how little has changed since the publication of the first Misogyny in Music report and details how women are still facing sex discrimination, unequal pay, inadequate maternity support, sexual harassment and bullying.
The new report makes 11 recommendations for government and the music industry to create lasting change for women in music, and states:
“One year on from its publication, and having heard from key witnesses, we find that there remains an overwhelming case for the government to implement the measures set out in our predecessors’ report to capitalise on the pockets of momentum that do exist in the industry and help produce lasting change for women in music”.
Recommendations include more robust protections for freelancers, the prohibiting of non-disclosure agreements involving sexual abuse, harassment or misconduct and an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill to align Maternity Allowance with Statutory Maternity Pay.
Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA)
The report also supports the creation of CIISA—an organisation set up to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries and to prevent and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment—and calls on the creative industries to commit to unconditional, long-term funding within six months.
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
On NDAs, the report calls on the government to urgently bring forward legislative proposals to stop the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases involving sexual abuse, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct, bullying or harassment, and discrimination relating to a protected characteristic.
We need action from industry and action from government
Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary says: “Women in the music industry are still facing the same challenges as they have always faced, this cannot continue.
“The pace of change to tackle these very real issues is far too slow, and today’s report gives government and the music industry a series of implementable recommendations that would help tackle the issues that are perpetuating misogyny in the music industry
“Change will not happen on its own, and CIISA is an essential part of creating the culture change we desperately need. Industry and government must fund and support CIISA giving them the resources they need to undertake its crucial work.
“We have the evidence of the issues, and we have the solutions to tackle them. What we need now is action from industry and action from government.”
Naomi Pohl also gave evidence at the Government’s Misogyny in Music inquiry in January, highlighting the challenges faced by MU women members—including a heightened risk of sexual harassment, concerns around safety when travelling to and from work, and the lack of clear reporting processes.