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MU Deputy General Secretary Talks to M Magazine on Ending Sexual Harassment at Work

MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl spoke to M Magazine about Safe Space and changing the culture of the music industry to end sexual harassment at work.

Published: 12 November 2021 | 12:30 PM
Silhouette of a  person standing against a stage light, the light is shining through their shoulder length hair.
No-one should experience or fear sexual harassment or abuse on campus or at work. Photo credit: Shutterstock

In the article which is available on PRS for Music’s website, Naomi discusses common problems in the music industry and examples that musicians have raised with the union.

These include aspects of touring culture, such as a lack of female dressing rooms. The issue was recently highlighted by Self Esteem as well as MU members participating at roundtables and Women’s Network meetings.

The M Magazine article also considers the huge imbalances of power in the music industry, which the MU’s Safe Space initiative and Protect Freelancers Too campaigning work seeks to address.

Read more from Naomi in M Magazine

A Safe Space for reporting

In recent months, artists such as Rebecca Ferguson and women working across the industry, have shone a spotlight on abuse by senior figures and organisations in the industry, detailing their experiences which range from sexual harassment and assault to bullying and coercive control.

No-one should experience or fear sexual harassment or abuse on campus or at work. The MU launched Safe Space to allow musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse they have experienced working as a musician.

Report your experiences, or cases that you have witnessed, in confidence via the MU’s Safe Space tools.

Changing the law to protect musicians

This summer, the Government committed to introducing a mandatory duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment at work and explicit protections for harassment by third parties.

It’s good news, but some freelancers like musicians will still miss out on those protections from sexual harassment at work. Add your voice to the call for change.

Sign the petition to protect freelancers too

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

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