9 DECEMBER2025The biggest worry for women operating within India's music sector remains safety to more than half of them; it is an immediate problem, as uncovered in a research study commis-sioned by Spotify.The research carried out by YouGov in September and launched this month included more than 1,000 music industry professionals, with seven out of every ten being women. These include singers, music composers, sound engineers, and label executives.Over 56 percent of women surveyed cited a safe and inclusive workplace as at least one of their five toughest challenges, ahead of work-life balance and representation issues. Yet more than a third of women said they have experienced an unsafe or non-inclusive workplace personally.The study also brought out some gaps that exist in leadership and mentoring. Women who worked in technical jobs like sound engineering and production had low satisfaction rates with regards to growth opportunities, with 31 percent rating them highly compared with 50 percent for other jobs.Almost 40 percent were hindered by a lack of mentors at work, and 39 percent had limited access to leadership and decision-making roles.A work-life balance was also an issue that mattered very much, with 52 percent citing it as an issue and 33 percent stating that better family and community support would help sustain careers as musicians.According to Dhruvank Vaidya, Head of Music and Podcast, Spotify India, safety, visibility, and inclusion are required in building an equitable music industry. Spotify has been working on these issues through initiatives like EQUAL for the promotion of work by women artists around the world.It also suggested solutions, such as the creation of community safe spaces, visibility of women in leadership positions, mentor networks, and work-life balance support. Some 31 percent of the respondents said that through the creation of safe spaces and collaborative networks, brands and platforms could support them.In this regard, Spotify hosted its first EQUAL event in India this week, extended networking and mentorship opportunities to women artists, label executives, and music entrepreneurs. IN FOCUSSAFETY TOP CONCERN FOR WOMEN IN INDIA'S MUSIC INDUSTRY: SPOTIFY· Women are most concerned about their safety in the Indian music industry· More than half of the women interviewed believed it requires urgent attention· The study is based on responses from more than 1,000 music professionals in India
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