Safety and visibility key to growth of women in Indian music, finds Spotify research

A recent study commissioned by Spotify and conducted by YouGov has shed light on the significant hurdles that women face in India's music industry. The research identifies safety, inclusion, and visibility in leadership roles as crucial elements influencing women's experiences in this sector. The survey encompassed over 1,000 participants, with 70% being women engaged in various capacities, such as singers, producers, and sound engineers. The findings reveal a complex landscape of both advancements and ongoing challenges for women in music. Foremost among the concerns is safety, with more than half of the women participants citing it as a critical issue needing urgent attention. Approximately 56% of female respondents highlighted the necessity for a safe and inclusive work environment, ranking this above work-life balance, family support, and aspects of representation and freedom of expression, both of which were noted by 52% of respondents. The study also indicates that over a third (36%) of women have experienced unsafe or non-inclusive work settings, underscoring the reality of these challenges beyond mere perception. Perspectives on career growth opportunities vary significantly across different roles; only 31% of women in technical fields, such as sound engineering, perceived their prospects as "excellent." This contrasts with the 50% of women in other roles who felt similarly optimistic, pointing to a lack of mentorship and underrepresentation in leadership as contributing factors. Moreover, nearly 40% of female participants expressed concerns about the absence of peer support and mentorship, while 39% noted restricted access to leadership and decision-making opportunities. A significant majority, 61%, emphasized the importance of increased visibility and representation of women in leadership positions to enhance career progression. Work-life balance and family support were also highlighted as pivotal in facilitating women’s ongoing involvement in the music industry, with 52% ranking these among their top concerns. Additionally, 33% of respondents pointed out the necessity for stronger family and community backing to foster sustained careers in music. Dhruvank Vaidya, Head of Music and Podcast at Spotify India, remarked that the insights from this study underscore the importance of safety, visibility, and inclusion in fostering an equitable music industry. He mentioned Spotify's initiatives, such as EQUAL, which aims to celebrate women artists and amplify their voices globally, along with collaborations to create safer and more inclusive environments. The research also proposed actionable steps to enhance women's representation and advancement, suggesting the creation of safe spaces, increasing leadership visibility, providing mentorship opportunities, and improving work-life balance. Notably, 31% of all respondents, regardless of gender, believe that brands and platforms can best support women by establishing safe spaces and community networks for collaboration and feedback. Spotify is actively addressing these challenges through programs like EQUAL, which not only celebrates women in music but also offers support through various channels such as playlisting, marketing, and networking opportunities in India.