Women marginalised in SA music industry, study finds

Cape Town – Women remain poorly represented within the music sector, preliminary findings of a study commissioned by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) found. 

The research, conducted by gender-equality consultants Tara Transform, found that women were largely excluded from key decision-making positions within the industry and faced many challenges that resulted in their marginalisation.

A survey conducted by Samro last year found that only a minority of its members were women. As a result of this imbalance, Samro commissioned the preliminary research to better understand the experiences and views of women in the music industry. The “Women’s Rights and Representation in the South African Music Sector” report identified a number of issues affecting women, ranging from stereotypical beliefs about women, to the fact that there were not enough women in occupations such as producers, directors and composers. It further touched on pay disparities between women and men in similar positions, and the fact that sexual harassment and exploitation of women was rife in the industry.

“Women do not feel safe in South Africa in general, but their safety concerns are exacerbated within the music industry. The majority of live performances take place at night, in spaces where alcohol consumption is involved, and women’s safety is limited,” Samro said.

“It’s not all bad news though. Women are mobilising more, and being heard more, as they confront the patriarchal norms. The jazz and DJ sectors have seen an increase in the number of active women artists, and the growth of digital media has opened safe spaces and new avenues for women to operate,” it noted.

Samro chief executive Mark Rosin said: “It is hoped that this study on the rights and responsibilities of women in the South African music industry provides a foundation for further work so that women can take their rightful place in a more equitable industry.”

In its recommendations, the study notes that women want change to come from within organisations and from leaders across the music industry through diversity, policies and culture.

Samro is developing plans to help remedy industry challenges relating to gender disparities in the music sector and to influence change on a national level.

Cape Times