Less Visible, Less Heard, Less Paid : The Reality of Women in Music in Europe

Music is a universal art that transcends borders and cultures. Yet, in the European music industry, women continue to face invisible but very real barriers. While some female artists are at the top of the ranking and make music history, they remain a minority in a field still largely dominated by men. Despite the wealth of female talent in the music scene, their access to visibility, funding, and leadership positions remains unequal.

Artists Hindered by Inequality

Artists such as Dua Lipa, Rosalía, Angèle, and Christine and the Queens impose their style and uniqueness. The great success of these musicians may give the impression of a more equal industry, but it conceals a more complex reality. A study by the Centre National de la Musique (CNM) revealed that in 2019, only 17% of festival line-ups featured a female lead artist, compared to 62% with a male lead. In major arenas and stadiums, this figure drops even further to 11%.

This underrepresentation is also evident in music genres. Rap and electronic music, both highly popular in Europe, feature only 10% and 11% of female artists in leading positions, respectively. In Berlin, often considered the world capital of electronic music, female DJs and producers must fight for recognition. A 2019 study from the Berklee College of Music and Women in Music found that 80% of women working in the industry had experienced sexism or discrimination.

A Limited Place for Female Artists

Beyond the stage, inequality extends into recorded music and production. In 2021, only 28% of songs played on the radio were performed by women, compared to 55% by men. Among the 1,000 most streamed songs, only 14% were sung by female artists. These numbers reflect a more restricted access to production and record labels. In 2021, 79% of the best-selling albums had a male lead, and at the Victoires de la Musique, only five women have won the Best Album award since 1985.

The disparities also extend to employment. While women make up 40% of the salaried workforce in the music industry, they are less frequently employed in permanent positions and earn, on average, 11% less than their male colleagues. In live performance, this gap widens to 20%. The intermittent work system, which affects a large portion of music workers, exacerbates these inequalities. Less than 37% of intermittent workers are women, and many leave the profession after the age of 30 due to financial instability and family obligations.

A Male-Dominated Industry

The higher one climbs the hierarchy, the worse the situation becomes. Women are largely absent from leadership roles in major music institutions. Only 20% of current music scene directors are women, and just 12% of music creation centers are led by women. European festivals, despite being key players in the music scene, are also predominantly run by men.

Sexism and harassment represent other major obstacles. A British study highlighted the “boys’ club” culture within the music industry, where women, particularly those from racial or LGBTQ+ minorities, face heightened discrimination. They are also more harshly judged when playing instruments perceived as “masculine,” such as drums or the trumpet. In response, some orchestras, like the New York Philharmonic, have implemented blind auditions to reduce gender bias.

The Pressure on Female Artists’ Image

Beyond inequalities in representation and salaries, women also face specific expectations regarding their appearance and behavior. The hypersexualization of music videos and the promotion of artists who conform to industry beauty standards limit the diversity of female role models. Unlike male artists, female musicians are often judged as much on their looks as on their talent. Artists like Angèle and Billie Eilish have spoken out against these pressures and advocate for freedom in style and image.

The #MusicToo movement, inspired by #MeToo, has helped shed light on cases of harassment and assault in the music industry. However, public allegations remain insufficient to bring about complete change. Recent scandals have shown that existing structures still struggle to hold perpetrators accountable.

Initiatives and Actions for a More Equal Industry

Despite this concerning reality, some initiatives aim to promote better representation of women in music. The European program Keychange works towards achieving 50% gender parity in festival line-ups and record labels. Collectives such as SheSaidSo bring together female music professionals to foster support networks and increase visibility for female artists.

In France, multiple open letters signed by hundreds of artists and industry professionals have condemned sexism and called for an “egalitarian revolution.” Berlin, despite its gender disparities in electronic music, has seen the emergence of collectives dedicated to female DJs and producers, aiming to enhance their visibility. Some Berlin music schools now offer women-only training programs to help them acquire technical skills often monopolized by men.

Towards a More Equitable Industry ?

While female voices are becoming more prominent and initiatives are multiplying, progress remains slow. The fight for a more inclusive music industry requires deep structural reforms: greater diversity in festival programming, increased support for women in production, and fairer funding distribution. Creating safe spaces for female artists and raising public awareness about gender discrimination are essential steps for long-term change.

The future of European music must fully integrate female artists, not as exceptions but as the norm. To achieve this, it is crucial to continue denouncing inequalities, supporting emerging talents, and transforming mindsets in an industry still largely shaped by men today.