Equaliser Project Aims to Tackle Gender Inequality in the Global Music Industry

Gender inequality in the global music industry is getting some attention through a new project called Equaliser.

Created by the UNESCO Creative Cities of Music (UCOM) network, Equaliser brings music professionals together to learn, share, and support each other.

The goal? To help women and girls in the music world and work towards gender equality, as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5.

Sandra Wall, UCOM Coordinator from Norrköping, Sweden, says, “Equaliser gives us a platform to address and challenge the systemic inequality that persists in our global music community.” The project includes three key training modules to help people grow professionally and build a more inclusive and safe music industry.

First, there’s the Leadership Intensive, a two-day workshop for mid-career professionals to network, set goals, and learn strategies for long-lasting careers. The first one will take place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this September. Then, the Skills Discovery Workshop is a mobile, three-hour session designed to help women in all music roles improve their skills and teamwork. Lastly, the Professional Respect Training Days will focus on preventing sexual harassment and harm, providing tools to create a safer and more respectful music community.

One of the project advisors, Nikki MacRae from Belfast, says, “The modular nature of Equaliser gives cities all around the world the ability to empower their citizens with the tools and resources for safer, fairer and more equitable music communities.”

UNESCO Creative Cities Network Goodwill Ambassador, Maria Francesca Merloni, adds, “Music is the language of the soul. It speaks through powerful vibrations that, regardless of genre, latitude or orientation, communicate the essence and truth of each individual. Honor and gratitude to the Creative Cities of Music for having imagined and implemented the Equaliser project, at a time when the need for profound, borderless dialogue is stronger than ever.”

For more info, visit citiesofmusic.net.