skip to main content

New Report on Diversity in the Music Industry Released by Women in CTRL

Not for profit organisation Women in CTRL has published a new report, charting the progress that’s been made since their initial “A Seat at the Table” report in 2020, noting that while female representation has increased, women are still underrepresented in the music industry.

Published: 04 August 2021 | 3:06 PM
Photograph of a woman working at a laptop, her back is turned to us but we can see she's focused on a number of data analysing graphs.
The report also includes powerful quotes from over 100 women across the music industry. Photo credit: Shutterstock

In 2020, Women in CTRL used their collective voice to make the industry stop, listen and change. There has been some progress in the last year, which they have highlighted in the report, but change is an ongoing process and we are still far off from equality.

The report’s key findings include:

  • Female representation has increased, but women are still underrepresented
  • Across the 12 organisations 42% of board members are women, an increase from 34% on 2020
  • In 2020 9% of Chairs were women, the equivalent of one female Chair across the 12 organisations. This figure is now 27%, with three female Chairs
  • CEOs remains unchanged at 27%, or three women
  • Representation of Black women has doubled, but from a very low base
  • The share of board seats held by Black women has doubled to 6% (11), from 3% (5) in 2020.
  • There are still no Black women CEOs or Chairs

The report also includes powerful quotes from over 100 women across the music industry, including the MU’s Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl.

You can read the full “A Seat at the Table” report on the Women in CTRL website.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action