day · fixed · day 87 of 365

International Women in Music Day

Talented and trailblazing, these artists harmonize their voices and instruments, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.

Jobs & Professions Music & Audio Women62

Marketing angleinferred

Celebrate and amplify female artists and composers through curated playlists, concert promotions, and podcast partnerships that drive streaming, ticket sales, and merchandise revenue.

Relevance 62medium intent

Feature mini-documentaries or artist spotlights on female composers breaking barriers in the music industry
Create branded playlists celebrating women musicians across genres with exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Partner with female artists for exclusive performances or live-streamed concerts during March
Launch a podcast series or interview campaign highlighting women's journeys in music production and performance

History

International Women in Music Day dates back to 2008. By the time 2020 rolled around, it was included in celebrations that were put forth by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The event was scheduled in the month of March to correlate with the United Nations International Women’s Day, which always takes place on March 8.

The purpose for the day encourages the promotion of and showing appreciation for the women who have made an impact on the music world, despite what is often a glass ceiling that holds them back.

Much of the discussion around this day relates to the need for the gender gap in the music industry to be closed, with women earning their place to have equality in this sector of the entertainment world.

In 2020, even with the pandemic, International Women in Music Day boasted at least 60 different virtual events that took place all over the world, and each year the connections seem to grow larger.

How to celebrate

Support Women in Music

Whether this means spending time all day listening to those favorite female artists or attending a concert put on by a female band or led by a female orchestra conductor, International Women in Music Day offers a wide range of possibilities for supporting those women in the world of music. Another great way to support women who are in the music industry might be by getting involved with Women Rock Day that takes place in early January.

Listen to Some Women in Music Podcasts

Learn more about the women behind the industry by listening to some podcasts that have been produced in conjunction with International Women in Music Day. In collaboration, together the BBC, Danish Radio and the EBU offer a series of podcasts that feature mini-biographies of female composers and their role in the world of music. In addition, topics include the ways that women composers must fight to get their work heard, as well as how the concept of quality among women’s work in the music industry.

FAQ

What are some of the main reasons women remain underrepresented in music production and sound engineering?

Research from industry groups and academic observers points to several persistent barriers: informal “boys’ club” hiring networks in studios, a lack of visible female role models in technical roles, stereotypes that frame production as a masculine or highly technical field, and limited access to mentoring and on‑the‑job training. Surveys of the global music workforce have also found high levels of harassment and discrimination, which can push women out of studio environments and touring crews, where much production experience is gained.

How have blind auditions changed opportunities for women in classical orchestras?

Starting in the 1970s, many orchestras introduced blind auditions where musicians perform behind a screen, so hiring panels cannot see them. Studies cited by orchestral organizations show that this simple change significantly increased the likelihood that women would advance through audition rounds and be hired, helping shift major orchestras away from being almost exclusively male and toward far more balanced string and wind sections.

Why have so many women composers from earlier centuries been overlooked in music history?

Historians note that women who composed in earlier eras often faced barriers to formal education, access to professional ensembles, and the right to publish under their own names. Their works might have been performed only in private or within the home, and in some cases male relatives or teachers received public credit. Because music histories and archives were curated largely by men, who prioritized works already prominent in public concert life, many women’s scores were never widely circulated, preserved, or written into standard textbooks, leading to long‑term erasure.

What unique challenges do women face when pursuing leadership roles like conducting or label executive positions?

Women who aim for leadership roles in music frequently report a double standard: strong, decisive behavior that is praised in male conductors or executives may be labeled “difficult” in women. Research and industry reports describe persistent bias in hiring and promotion, expectations that women handle unpaid emotional or administrative labor, and networking cultures built around male‑dominated social spaces. In addition, the small number of women already in top posts means there are fewer mentors and sponsors to open doors for younger candidates.

How does the #MeToo movement relate to women’s experiences in the music industry?

Analyses of #MeToo in music show that many women encounter sexual harassment, coercion, or retaliation in recording studios, on tour, and in executive offices, often from people who control access to opportunities. Articles documenting these cases point out that fear of being blacklisted or not believed can keep survivors silent. The movement has prompted some labels, venues, and festivals to adopt clearer reporting procedures and anti‑harassment policies, but advocacy groups argue that structural change and accountability are still uneven across the industry.

What strategies have organizations found most effective for improving gender equality in music?

Industry and nonprofit initiatives highlight several approaches that show promise: setting measurable targets for including women on festival lineups and radio playlists, commissioning and programming works by women composers, running mentoring and networking programs for women and gender‑diverse professionals, and collecting data on representation so progress can be tracked. Projects run by broadcasters and advocacy groups also stress the importance of training staff about bias and building long‑term policies, rather than relying on one‑off showcases, so that inclusion becomes part of everyday decision‑making.

Why is it important to highlight women’s contributions behind the scenes, not just on stage?

Experts point out that while women are increasingly visible as singers and performers, they remain underrepresented in roles such as songwriting, arranging, producing, A&R, and executive decision‑making. These positions shape which artists get signed, what music is recorded, and how it is promoted. By drawing attention to women’s work behind the scenes, the industry can challenge the idea that authority and technical skill belong mostly to men, broaden creative perspectives, and provide more role models for young people who may not see themselves in traditional images of producers or executives.