This International Women’s Day is the perfect time to showcase, appreciate and learn from women killing it in their careers. And that is exactly what the inaugural Women in Music event, that takes place at Rescue Rooms, on March 7th, is all about…
With a full line-up of speakers, the event is set to address the gender imbalance in the music industry with the aim of creating an environment for discussion and a platform for change.
Kelly Bennaton, Head of Marketing at DHP who is the organiser of the event – talk to Platform about the event and its importance in current times, especially with movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp in the forefront.
1) The Women in Music event is aimed at advocating and encouraging more women to enter the music industry. Have you been part of a similar event prior to this?
Last January, I was part of a panel at the Women in Music event in London which discussed the lack of women in music, which was very similar to this. But this is my first time actually organising the event.
2) This is the first event of its kind for DHP. Is there a reason that it has not been done before? And why do you believe this is the right time?
Historically, DHP works as a promoter so this isn’t the kind of event we do. But, my colleagues and I believe that now is the right time to discuss it as more people want to come forward and talk about it now. There’s more attention given to it now.
3) Do you think events like these can bring about significant change? What else can be done?
Yes, definitely, we need to start somewhere. There won’t be any change, if we don’t try to change it. Getting people in a room together to discuss it, is a starting point.
4) In your opinion, why do you think women often shy away from the music industry and don’t attempt to break into it?
A lot of it is perception. Women see the men get a lot of the work – especially in the music industry- they begin to believe it is something that isn’t accessible to them. Often women already in music industry tend not to be treated well, which furthers pushes them away from pursuing it.
5) Who are some women who you believe have successfully broken the glass ceiling and managed to become successful in this industry?
All the panellists in this event are such people. Dom Frazer, one of our speakers, is one such person. She is the founder and director of the Boiler Room, which isn’t a position that women commonly reach, especially in the music industry.
6) Is there a specific set of people you’re aiming this event at? Is it women within the music industry or would you say even a person who has never thought of getting into the industry would be inspired by the event?
Definitely, we are aiming at people within the industry. But we also want to cultivate an interest in people, regardless of their gender or career – to gain an interest and discuss gender imbalance and ways to change it, so that’s what we are aiming for.
7) Feminism is often a term that people wrongly define as purely women-oriented. Do you personally believe it’s possible to attract as many male advocates and supporters to these events, as women?
Yes, for sure! I know plenty of men who advocate for women’s rights. My husband is a feminist that campaigns for women’s rights. Feminism is definitely not just for women.
8) Will there any be similar events from DHP in the future?
This event is in support of local charity, Equation, which aims at healthy relationships and freedom from domestic violence. But there are many other charities we want to support so we are definitely looking to organise events similar to this in the future.
Get your tickets to the event here.
By Malvika Padin