A brand new U.Okay. parliamentary report has discovered that the music {industry} stays a “boys’ membership” with feminine artists going through a litany of challenges together with discrimination and sexual harassment.

Areas of the music {industry} which are notably male-dominated embody A&R, sound engineering and manufacturing.

The report additionally checked out racism within the {industry} in addition to the employment construction, discovering that freelancers are unsurprisingly extra weak.

Chaired by member of parliament (MP) Caroline Nokes, the U.Okay. Parliament’s cross-party Girls and Equalities Committee is now urging the Authorities to take legislative steps, together with amending the Equality Act to make sure freelance employees, particularly these going through intersectional inequality, are protected against discrimination alongside their employed counterparts.

The committee additionally recommends implementing laws that can make employers chargeable for defending employees from sexual harassment by third events and prohibiting the usage of NDAs in circumstances involving sexual abuse, sexual harassment or misconduct, bullying or harassment and discrimination. They recommend that the laws ought to embody a moratorium that releases those that have already signed NDAs in these circumstances.

The report additionally famous that the institution of the Artistic Industries Impartial Requirements Authority (CIISA) “will assist to shine a lightweight on unacceptable behaviour within the music {industry} and in doing so, might cut back the danger of additional hurt.”

“Girls’s inventive and profession potential mustn’t have limits positioned upon it by ‘endemic’ misogyny which has persevered for much too lengthy inside the music {industry},” stated Noakes. “Our report rightly focuses on bettering protections and reporting mechanisms, and on mandatory structural and legislative reforms.”

“Nonetheless, a shift within the behaviour of males—and it’s virtually at all times males – on the coronary heart of the music {industry} is the transformative change wanted for gifted ladies to fairly actually have their voices heard and be each recognised and rewarded on equal phrases.”

A spokesperson for CIISA stated the group, set to launch later this yr, shall be a “‘single entrance door’ for these working within the music {industry} – and throughout all of the inventive industries – to confidentially report unacceptable behaviour and use this perception to boost consciousness and deal with considerations instantly.” The org, which is being supported by plenty of U.Okay. inventive {industry} our bodies throughout movie, tv, trend and music, will publish a set of industry-wide requirements that promote inclusivity and tackle “destructive behaviors.”

CEO of Black Lives in Music, Charisse Beaumont, who gave proof to the committee, welcomed the report. “It validates our experiences, notably these of Black ladies within the music {industry},” stated Beaumont. “The information mirrors the challenges we face and amplifies our voices, calling for an {industry} the place everybody, no matter background, can flourish.” Beaumont urged the music {industry} to behave on the committee’s suggestions, particularly these calling for necessary DEI coaching and publishing statistics on the range of their workforce.

Business physique U.Okay. Music, which additionally gave proof to the inquiry, acknowledged the report’s findings. “We recognise there may be nonetheless extra to do, that misogyny continues to exist and we’re striving to result in optimistic adjustments,” stated interim CEO Tom Kiehl. “We’re working proper throughout the sector to make sure the music {industry} is an inclusive place for everybody to work.”