Wednesday 26th October, Charisse Beaumont, Chief Executive of Black Lives in Music spoke and gave recommendations to the Women and Equalities Committee. The Misogyny in Music inquiry which, is the first of its kind, was set up to examine what misogynistic attitudes exist in the Music Industry and why. With an aim to uncover how these attitudes can filter through to society, impacting attitudes towards and treatment of women and girls.
Whilst giving evidence, Charisse Beaumont cited the industry-wide issues that continue to affect Black Music Professionals to this day.
Charisse Beaumont brought to light the ongoing sexualisation and objectification of women of colour whilst working in the UK Music Industry. Including the shocking stats that White Male Music Professionals earn 52% more than Black Female Music Professionals per month (Being Black in the UK Music Industry).
Addressing the ongoing issue of the gender pay gap, Charisse cited that White Music Professionals earn 25% more than Black Music Professionals per month (Being Black in the UK Music Industry).
Charisse also shone a light on the disproportion of female-identifying Music Producers calling on more support for equality for marginalised communities.
With a focus on Live Music and safety concerns, Charisse read a harrowing testimony of a woman who works in Live Music Industry, expressing how unsafe she felt. Charisse highlighted and emphasised that there is no pathway for support.
The following recommendations were made to the Women and Equalities Committee by Black Lives in Music:
- Work with the UK Music 10 Point Plan to ensure reporting on gender and ethnic pay were made compulsory for all organisations or at the very least, those with under 50 employees. Phase 2 of this plan will be coming out in November.
- Implementation of the Anti-Racism code of conduct and Independent Standards Authority to tackle Discrimination, Bullying and Harassment in the music industry.
- To continue to be supportive of the issues that Black Lives in Music brings to public discussions.
