Report on Gender Inequality and Labour Rights in the Music Industry

Introduction: A Case Study in Systemic Barriers to Sustainable Development

A report by the Women and Equalities Committee, “Misogyny in Music: On Repeat,” has highlighted significant systemic issues within the music industry that impede progress towards key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The experiences of classical soprano Lucy Cox exemplify the challenges faced by female artists, which directly contravene the principles of SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Analysis of Barriers to SDG 5: Gender Equality

The music industry’s current culture and practices present formidable obstacles to achieving full gender equality. These challenges manifest in professional exclusion, pervasive harassment, and economic discrimination related to maternity.

Hurdles to Equal Opportunity and Participation (SDG 5.5)

Female artists face significant barriers to career advancement. Ms. Cox reported being told that success was contingent on waiting “for somebody to get pregnant or die,” a statement that underscores a culture of limited opportunities for women, in direct opposition to the goal of ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities.

Endemic Misogyny and Harassment (SDG 5.2)

The normalization of misogyny and sexual harassment creates an unsafe working environment, violating the core aim of eliminating all forms of violence and discrimination against women.

• Widespread sexual harassment has been described as “normalised.”
• Artists fear professional repercussions for reporting misconduct, as being labelled a “trouble maker” can be “career ending” for freelancers.
• This culture of silence prevents accountability and perpetuates harmful behaviour.

Economic Penalties and Maternity Provisions (SDG 5.4)

Inadequate support for maternity disproportionately affects female freelancers, creating economic instability and forcing a premature return to work. Ms. Cox noted that the freelance maternity allowance of approximately £9,000 per year was “unsustainable,” forcing her to work until 37 weeks pregnant and return only eight weeks after giving birth. This lack of support fails to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work as outlined in SDG 5.4.

Violations of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The conditions for many freelance musicians, particularly women, do not meet the standards for “decent work” as defined by SDG 8.

Precarious Work and Lack of Labour Rights (SDG 8.8)

The freelance nature of the work, combined with a lack of protective institutions, leaves musicians vulnerable. The fear of not being called back for work prevents individuals from “challenging bad behaviour,” undermining the right to a safe and secure working environment.

Inequality in Remuneration and Benefits (SDG 8.5)

The significant disparity in maternity pay between freelance and employed musicians is a clear failure to achieve equal pay and benefits for work of equal value. This economic inequality reinforces gender disparity and makes sustainable careers for women in music more difficult to achieve.

Recommendations for Achieving SDGs 10 and 16

Addressing these issues requires robust legislative and institutional reforms to reduce inequalities (SDG 10) and build effective, accountable institutions (SDG 16).

Legislative and Institutional Reform

The Women and Equalities Committee report, supported by stakeholders like MP Alex Brewer and the Musicians Union (MU), outlines a clear path forward. Key recommendations include:

1. Establish a Strong Regulatory Body: The formation of the Creative Industries Independent Standard Authority (CIISA) is a critical step, but it must be equipped with “resources and teeth” to enforce standards and protect workers, aligning with SDG 16’s call for strong institutions.
2. Eliminate Non-Disclosure Agreements: Banning the use of NDAs in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination is essential for transparency and justice, contributing to SDG 16.3 (equal access to justice).
3. Equalize Maternity Pay: Legislating to ensure freelancers receive the same maternity rights as employees is a direct action to reduce inequality (SDG 10) and promote decent work (SDG 8).

Fostering Cultural Change

Beyond legislation, a fundamental cultural shift is necessary. As Ms. Cox stated, “conversations need to be had in the industry about what’s acceptable.” This involves creating an environment where challenging misconduct is encouraged and supported, thereby fostering a truly inclusive industry in line with the ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article directly addresses gender equality by focusing on the systemic issues women face in the music industry. It highlights problems such as misogyny, sexual harassment, and discriminatory practices that hinder women’s careers and create an unsafe work environment. The reference to the “Misogyny in Music: On Repeat” report and Lucy Cox’s personal experiences underscore the relevance of this goal.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article connects to decent work by examining the precarious nature of freelance employment in the music industry. It discusses inadequate social protections, specifically the “unsustainable” maternity allowance for freelancers, and the economic insecurity that results (“Suddenly your income’s fallen off a cliff”). The call to “equalize out maternity pay so freelancers have the same rights as employees” is a direct appeal for decent work conditions.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is relevant through the article’s call for stronger legal frameworks and institutions to protect workers. The demand for “a law in place,” the elimination of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for sexual harassment, and the establishment of a “proper industry body with resources and teeth” like the Creative Industries Independent Standard Authority (CIISA) all point to the need for justice and effective institutions to enforce rights and combat impunity.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.

   The article highlights a culture of discrimination, as evidenced by the singer being told she would have to “wait for somebody to get pregnant or die” to succeed. This, along with the broader call for the industry to be “more inclusive of women,” directly relates to ending discrimination.

2. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including… sexual and other types of exploitation.

   This target is explicitly identified when the article states that Ms. Cox “faced sexual harassment, along with many women she worked with.” The call to get rid of “non-disclosure agreements for sexual harassment” is a measure aimed at eliminating this form of violence and exploitation in the workplace.

3. Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in… economic… life.

   The barriers described, such as the fear of starting a family due to financial instability and the lack of opportunities for advancement, prevent women’s full participation in their economic field. The article shows that systemic issues, not a lack of talent, are limiting women’s careers.

4. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.

   The discussion around the “unsustainable” maternity allowance of “about £9,000 for the year” for freelancers, compared to the rights of employees, points to a failure to provide decent work and equal social protection, which is a component of fair remuneration.

5. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers… and those in precarious employment.

   Freelance musicians are presented as workers in precarious employment. The article notes that speaking out against bad behaviour could be “career ending” because “there’s no reason they have to call you back,” illustrating a highly insecure working environment where labor rights are not protected.

6. Target 16.B: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

   The article is a clear call to action for this target. It mentions the need for “small, legislative changes,” the recommendations in the Parliamentary committee’s report, and the hope that “the government will respond” to enforce policies that “end misogyny in music.”

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Prevalence of sexual harassment and use of NDAs

   The article implies this is a key indicator of an unsafe work environment. The statement that Ms. Cox and “many women she worked with” faced sexual harassment and the specific call to “get rid of non-disclosure agreements for sexual harassment” suggest that the number of harassment cases and the use of NDAs are measurable problems.

2. Disparity in social protection benefits for freelancers

   A specific, quantifiable indicator is mentioned in the article: the maternity allowance for freelance musicians, which “meant Ms Cox would have only received about £9,000 for the year.” This figure serves as a direct measure of the financial and social protection gap between freelancers and other employees, indicating a lack of decent work provisions.

3. Existence of effective and independent accountability mechanisms

   The article implies that the lack of such a mechanism is a major issue. Progress could be measured by the successful formation and resourcing of the “Creative Industries Independent Standard Authority (CIISA)” and its ability to act as a “proper industry body with resources and teeth” to handle complaints and enforce standards, as advocated for by the MP and the Musicians Union.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: bbc.com