Why we need to represent
Shirley Manson, the frontwoman of Garbage and an ambassador of ours, perhaps puts this best.
“I remain utterly outraged by the depressing statistics surrounding female representation in every aspect of the global music business.
We absolutely and urgently must put it to rights. We are doing a great disservice, not only to women of all races and socio-economic backgrounds, but to all genders, culture, and society in general by allowing the status quo to continue.”
The inequalities in the music industry are vast. Performers alone don’t make up festivals or the music industry – lineups should be scrutinised; hiring policies of record labels should be examined; pay disparities should be corrected.
We need action in all aspects and areas. We all suffer when there is a lack of representation on the stage because we risk the possibility of great talent being discounted.
The Keychange Manifesto
In 2018 Keychange presented a Manifesto for change at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The Manifesto celebrates the achievements, ideas and suggestions that came out of the first Keychange project and calls for collective action in four areas:
1. Acknowledgement
Addressing recruitment, remuneration, career development and sexual harassment policies.
2. Investment
Making more funds available for targeted programmes which empower underrepresented artists and industry professionals.
3. Research
Analysing and reporting on the current gender gap with an economic impact study of companies with increased gender balance.
4. Education
Creating a new, diversified norm by promoting role models and career opportunities.