Misogyny in Music report exposes how the music industry continues to silence women
New report reveals how misogyny, harassment, and inequality remain deeply rooted in the music industry. From silenced victims to misuse of NDAs. Here’s what needs to change.
A powerful and damning new report from the UK Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee has put the music industry back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Titled Misogyny in Music: On Repeat, this Fifth Report of Session 2024–25 paints a picture of an industry still routed in sexism, harassment, and inequality, failing to protect and empower women working within it.
The report is the latest chapter in a years-long inquiry into discrimination in music. It finds that despite public commitments to change, little progress has been made. Misogyny, it says, remains “endemic” throughout the sector, with women facing widespread abuse, silencing, and career obstacles that too often go unacknowledged and unpunished.
According to the committee, the music industry continues to operate as a “boys’ club,” where outdated power structures and unchecked behavior remain all too common. From mainstream record labels to indie scenes, the live touring circuit and aggregators, women report facing disproportionate barriers, from workplace bullying to career stalling because of maternity leave or ageism.
The report cites chilling statistics from the Independent Society of Musicians:
- 51% of women in music have experienced gender discrimination.
- 47% of women of colour have experienced racism.
- Only 11% and 8% of those affected, respectively, felt safe enough to report it.
The lack of action stems not just from fear of backlash, but from a deeper concern, that nothing will change even if they do come forward which isn’t uncommon.
One of the most urgent issues raised in the report is the widespread use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of sexual harassment and discrimination. These legal tools, intended to protect confidentiality, are often used to protect powerful abusers and shield companies from scrutiny.
The committee is calling for a ban on NDAs in cases involving sexual misconduct, bullying, or workplace discrimination, joining a growing chorus of voices across industries who see NDAs as a serious barrier to justice.
The report also highlights how self-employed and freelance workers, who make up a large portion of the music industry workforce, are particularly vulnerable. Without the same legal protections as full-time employees, these workers often fall through the cracks when it comes to safeguarding and dispute resolution.
One example is the disparity between Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance, which affects freelance women disproportionately. The committee is calling for these to be aligned to prevent penalizing women for not having a traditional employment contract.
What needs to change
To tackle these systemic failures, the committee is calling for an urgent set of reforms, including:
- Stronger Legislation: Amending the Equality Act and Employment Rights Bill to extend protections to freelancers and caregivers.
- CIISA Implementation: Backing the full rollout of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), which would act as an external body to investigate misconduct in the creative sector.
- Ending the Silence: Banning the misuse of NDAs in sexual misconduct and discrimination cases.
- Education and Training: Mandating industry-wide anti-discrimination training and safeguarding policies for companies, festivals, and venues.
The report also criticizes the previous Conservative government for ignoring earlier recommendations from 2022, warning that continued inaction would reinforce systemic harm. With a new government now in power, the spotlight is on policymakers to show whether they are willing to match words with action.
Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, said:
“Our inquiry has once again exposed how deeply rooted misogyny remains in music. The testimony we heard was shocking and sobering. The industry needs to wake up—and the government needs to legislate where voluntary action has failed.”
Musicians and advocates have applauded the report, while also calling for swift and tangible outcomes.
Soprano Lucy Cox detailed how the industry sidelines women as they age or take maternity leave. Dr. Charisse Beaumont, CEO of Black Lives in Music, reiterated her longstanding position: “We do not need more reports. We need implementation.”
While the report acknowledges that some companies have taken initial steps toward reform, it makes clear that self-regulation has not worked. For change to be effective, it must be structural, legally enforced, and driven from both inside and outside the industry.
As this report circulates among policymakers, musicians, and industry leaders, its message is loud and clear: the music industry can no longer look the other way. Misogyny in music is not an isolated issue, it is systemic. And unless bold action is taken now, it will continue.
For the full report and recommendations, visit the UK Parliament publication:
Misogyny in music: on repeat.
Here are some organizations that are actively supporting women within the music industry.
Amplyfy Her Voice
Safe Gigs for Women
The Musicians Union – also aims to support people who have suffered from or are experiencing sexual harassment or discrimination at work.