There was an increase in the number of women becoming songwriters and composers in 2020 but the industry remains heavily skewed towards men, according to new data.

Some 1,971 women registered as professionals in the UK last year, representing a 12.3% year-on-year increase compared to 2019.

However, the sector remains male-dominated, with men accounting for 81.7% of all professional songwriters and composers.

Royalty collection society PRS for Music, which represents more than 150,000 music creators and publishers, is releasing its membership figures to mark International Women’s Day.

It comes after UK Music, which represents the collective interests of the sector, reported that in 2020 the proportion of women working in the music industry at large – from management agencies to record labels – had reached a record high of 49.6%.