Women in SA feel marginalised and unsafe, SAMRO study finds

Presented on 30 August at the SAMRO offices in Johannesburg, the Women’s Rights and Representation in the South African Music Sector report was conducted by gender equity consultants Tara Transform.

The research was prompted by a survey conducted by SAMRO last year, which showed that women made up a minority of the collective management organisation’s membership. As a result of this imbalance, SAMRO commissioned the research to better understand the experiences and views of women in the music industry.

The study found that women are largely excluded from key decision-making positions in the industry and face numerous challenges that result in their marginalisation when compared to their male counterparts.

“It is hoped that this study on the rights and responsibilities of women in the South African music industry provides a foundation for further work so that women can take their rightful place in a more equitable industry,” SAMRO CEO Mark Rosin said.

The report also identified a number of issues affecting women, ranging from stereotypical beliefs about women to a lack of female producers, directors and composers. In addition, it addresses the perceived pay disparity between women and men in similar positions as well as sexual harassment and the exploitation of women.

“Women do not feel safe in South Africa in general, but their safety concerns are exacerbated within the music industry,” SAMRO said. “The majority of live performances take place at night, in spaces where alcohol consumption is involved and women’s safety is limited.

“It’s not all bad news though. Women are mobilising more and being heard more as they confront the patriarchal norms. The jazz and DJ sectors have seen an increase in the number of active women artists, and the growth of digital media has opened safe spaces and new avenues for women to operate.”

As part of its recommendations, the study urges diversity, policymaking and changes in the cultural sector by organisations and music industry leaders.

“In addressing gender-based violence and sexual harassment, the most practical starting point is in creating female friendly resources and safe workspaces,” the report says. “It encourages SAMRO and other organisations in the music industry to use their voices to combat the ongoing challenges of gender-based violence and harassment in the sector.”

The official release of the report included a panel discussion featuring Assali Music founder and singer Berita, Basadi Music Awards founder and managing director Hloni Modise, Women in Music South Africa co-founder and chapter chair Tumi Mogapi, Business Arts South Africa head of programmes Boitumelo Motsoatsoe, Tara Transform representative Shireen Motara and SAMRO archive specialist Nandipha Mnyani.

The full Women’s Rights and Representation in the South African Music Sector report can be downloaded below (PDF).