SA: Study exposes gender inequality in live music

The aim of the study is to create a statistical snapshot of the role of women in live music and identify practical steps that can be taken to ensure that women and female-identifying people in live music get fair representation, access work opportunities and equitable pay and feel safe in these spaces. The survey will use the data provided to produce a recommendation report for Concerts SA and the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).

The study, which surveyed 357 respondents in late 2023, found that over 70% of women had observed gender discrimination, and 80% reported that their gender influenced how they were treated.

The study’s findings highlight significant disparities in representation, with women underrepresented in technical roles and overrepresented in singing and songwriting. Respondents reported feeling stereotyped and facing unequal opportunities, including networking and career progression.

“The findings of this report are striking and call for our immediate attention,” SAMRO CEO Annabell Lebethe said. “With 75% of respondents identifying as women, the data reveals a stark reality – over 60% of women experience inappropriate gender-related remarks, and a staggering 68% feel unsafe while commuting to work during late hours.”

Despite these challenges, the study found that most women felt a sense of belonging in their roles and received support from their families. However, many believed that gender harassment policies were inadequate, and that measures such as gender quotas, gender-blind auditions, and legislative recognition of artistic work were necessary to improve their lives and opportunities.

The study’s insights have significant implications for development and advocacy programmes aimed at transforming the working experiences of women in live music. By shedding light on the lived experiences of women in the industry, the study aims to spark meaningful change and promote greater equity and inclusion.

“We are grateful to the many people who responded to our survey and engaged with Concerts SA on this topic,” Concerts SA said. “We are also particularly grateful to our research team leader Gwen Ansell who drove this project with passion and dedication, drawing on a broad knowledge base to help ensure this research considered all nuances, historical and present, to inform this research document. In addition, our thanks to the hard work of the IKS Cultural Consulting team in coordinating and assisting on the project and Mbali Ndhlovu of the SheSaidSo organisation for creating the visualisations.”

The research was made possible by the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Norwegian Embassy and SAMRO.

Download the full report here.