skip to main content

Scottish Women Encouraged to Complete Survey on Sexual Harassment

Women across the Scottish music scene are encouraged to complete POWA’s survey – to shape their work to better protect and support women across the arts.

Published: 01 December 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of a young woman, concentrating on playing the piano.
Help POWA contribute towards the ending of all too normalised, practices of sexual exploitation and discrimination against women in the workplace. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Protection of Women in the Arts (POWA) are a Scottish-based collective who are raising awareness of sexual discrimination in the music industry through releasing music and creating a safe discussion space on Patreon.

Founded by two Scottish women musicians, Ashley Stein and Siobhan Wilson, POWA’s ultimate aim is to contribute towards the ending of what have become unacceptable, yet all too normalised, practices of sexual exploitation and discrimination against women in the workplace.

In order to achieve this, the collective have launched a survey which they are encouraging women across the Scottish music scene to complete. They intend to use the survey results to shape their plans going forward, to help better protect and support women across the arts through obtaining a clearer picture of common problems faced.

Take the survey.

It is important that women completing the survey take care of themselves in the process, and if anyone is triggered by the questions or process they are encouraged to refer to the signposting list creating by Scottish Women in Music (SWIM).

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

MU delegates and members of our sister creative unions on the steps of Caird Hall.

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU delegates who supported a range of topics including Fair Work for freelancers, music as a human right, international solidarity and why ferries serving the Scottish islands are vital to cultural workers and the economy.

Published: 28 April 2026

Read more about MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026
Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians
Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists