Written by: Angelea Hengle
In honor of Women’s History Month, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite resources that advocate for gender equality in the music industry! Navigating a historically male-dominated field can be overwhelming, but one doesn’t have to face it alone. These resources advocate for all women and nonbinary people of all backgrounds looking to further their career and find their own community along the way.
Non-profits
Amplify Her Voice
Amplify Her Voice is dedicated to advancing women’s careers in the industry through education and networking. They highlight important topics such as sexism, abortion, and the gender pay gap in the music industry. This organization has also begun to host their events such as the Music Industry Networking Workshop they hosted last August and promotes multiple events for which they hold giveaways, too.
Check out this post from them: Fangirls Run the Music Industry
Website: www.amplifyhervoice.org
Instagram: @amplifyhervoice
Women in Music
Women in Music (WIM) is one of the most-renowned nonprofits dedicated to women in the industry. Founded in 1985 and amassing over 25 chapters, WIM brings together people of all ages who have one thing in common: they aim to achieve equity and belonging for all in music. If looking to become involved you can volunteer with WIM or start your chapter if there isn’t one in your city. They offer multiple in-person and remote events, as well as a mentorship program where you can apply to be a mentor or mentee.
Website: www.womeninmusic.org
Instagram: @womeninmusic
She is the Music
She is the Music (SITM) is working to increase the number of women working in music, whether they’re songwriters, engineers, producers, artists, or industry professionals. Their website contains an updated job board, mentorship program, and offers information on their writing camps in which important figures such as Alicia Keys and Kim Petras have participated in. If interested in becoming involved, you can donate, volunteer, and sign-up for their newsletter.
Website: http://sheisthemusic.org
Instagram: @sheisthemusic
Women PowHer Music
Women PowHer Music is a newer organization that truly believes knowledge is power. Their social media is a great resource when looking for career inspiration, insight into industry specific jobs, and tips for songwriters, playlist curators, and musicians.
I am a current member of WPM and we are currently working on our website, so stay tuned for more updates!
Instagram: @womenpowhermusic
Femme House
Femme House is dedicated to creating a more equitable industry for femme and gender expansive music producers and DJs. This non-profit provides scholarships, free workshops, and online courses for everything technical. Femme House is committed to diversifying the industry and ensures that over half of their lineups have BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation. To become involved with the Femme House community, you can make a cash donation, take online courses, support their scholarships, share their graphics on social media, and become an ambassador!
Website: http://thisisfemmehouse.com
Instagram: @thisisfemmehouse
Girls Behind the Rock Show
Girls Behind the Rock Show is an online platform that provides industry resources and networking opportunities for women and gender-nonconfirming people. GBTRS has multiple ways to become involved whether through social media or their programs. Their programs include: Roadie for a Day, an opportunity that allows those interested in touring to gain hands-on experience; Festival Immersion, where participants have the opportunity to be mentored by festival directors and work in various departments; and multiple interning and mentorship opportunities. You can also join their general Facebook group and your city-specific group, too.
Website: http://gbtrs.com
Instagram: @girlsbtrs
We are Moving the Needle
We are Moving the Needle is an organization working to close the gender gap in the recording and professional audio industry. The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative only found that 2% of producers and engineers in the recording industry were women (“Inclusion in the Recording Studio” USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative 2021). We are Moving the Needle is looking to change that number and encourage all women and gender-nonconfirming people to participate.
Website: http://www.wearemovingtheneedle.org
Instagram: @wearemovingtheneedle
Color of Music Collective
Color of Music Collective is dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices in the music industry. They host panels every other week that feature 4 guests to discuss what is occurring in the music industry. To keep up with their panels and blogs you can subscribe to their newsletter. Color of Music Collective will also be offering masterclasses soon, so be sure to follow them to keep up with their exciting future events.
Instagram: @colorofmusiccollective
Organizations
Book More Women
Book More Women brings the gender imbalance in music festival lineups to the forefront. They show the tour poster with any band, group, or solo artist who is a woman or non-binary musician/features a woman or non-binary musician compared to the original tour poster. Included in these posts are the percentage of women and non-binary musicians that are based on the musical acts booked for the festival. Book More Women also has a blog where you can learn about different festivals that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Website: http://www.bookmorewomen.com
Instagram: @bookmorewomen
Diversify the Stage
Diversify the Stage is a network of industry professionals that are cultivating inclusive workplace practices and provides opportunities to disproportionately impacted communities. They offer opportunities such as training, consulting, videos, live sessions, interviews, and events. Their yearly apprenticeship program is for young people who are part of historically excluded communities who are passionate about their career. It is also important to note that 80% of participants from the 2021 and 2022 program were placed at full-time jobs across various areas of the industry.
Website: http://www.diversifythestage.org
Instagram: @diversifythestage
She Knows Tech
She Knows Tech is our last organization that is looking to close the gender gap specifically in the recording industry. They focus on highlighting and empowering female-identifying professionals in the music technology industry. She Knows Tech hosts a multitude of events with their most popular being the She Knows Tech Summit that is held over a three day period. You can sign-up for their newsletter to hear about their upcoming events for 2023.
Website: http://www.sheknows.tech
Instagram: @sheknows.tech
Blog Author - Angelea Hengle: Hey y'all! I'm Angelea and am super excited to be a part of this great team! I'm a recent graduate from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and am so happy to call Richmond home again. I received my Bachelor of Science in General Management with also a double minor in Psychology and Music Business. In college, I was President of DePaul Dance Company and Co-Event Coordinator for DePaul Music Business Organization. Creativity and artistry have always been a part of who I am and I am so grateful to be in this amazing community.