For many years, women’s rights movements have fought hard to address inequality, campaigning to change laws or taking to the streets to demand their rights are respected. Across the world, women are demanding to have equal rights to choose their own paths and to be given opportunities based on their proficiency and skillsets.
It is reported that women are more likely to face forms of discrimination and harassment than men, especially in the music field. A US survey of 1,227 musicians carried out by the Music Industry Research Association last year found 72 percent of female artists had been subjected to discrimination due to their gender. Two-thirds said they had been sexually harassed.
The Delia Arts Foundation, in its mission to support musicians in conflict zones, has been studying the needs of the music scene in Gaza, Palestine, in an effort to build programs that close the gaps and boost the economy. Through our research, it has been apparent that women have faced incredible difficulties becoming involved in the music industry. From music education to training and performance opportunities, women seem to be left out.
In an effort to understand the causes behind this imbalanced gender presence in the music field, the Delia Arts Foundation contacted prominent organizations that actively work on empowering women in Gaza, such as Bozour Culture and Arts and the Society of Women Graduates. We also connected with women who have been active in the music industry, who shared their insights from their own experiences of gaining access to the industry. Throughout our discussions, two ideas were recurrent: women in Gaza are held back by fear and lack of resources.
The Delia Arts Foundation proceeded by collecting data from women who were referred to us by our partners. Their profiles were diverse – we spoke to women from well-off families who have received higher education and have their own careers as well as women from marginalized communities where violence and male dominance were apparent.
The research showed that 47% of the women have no knowledge of music and never picked up an instrument, while 53% consider themselves amateurs. In addition, 64% of the women who identified as amateurs have not participated in any workshops or training. Many women felt they would be interested in a role in the music industry, with 78.8% of those surveyed expressing an interest in working in the music field, while 18.2% of women are uncertain of their direct involvement in the music industry as it depends on their acquired skill level and the acceptance of their society. Note that for the purposes of this research those who consider themselves professional musicians were not surveyed.
The primary gaps in the music field in Gaza are created by the lack of music education and training. Music institutions that work in that direction are few to count and access is restricted by age and the high registration fees that are out of reach for most families. To add to it, women face harsh criticism by their conservative communities which can even turn violent in marginalized communities. Women from all different backgrounds expressed that fear was the primary obstacle to their involvement in the industry. It is rare to find women who are professional musicians and who have been actively training and empowering others. Institutions have also failed to provide enough opportunities for these women to access training courses.
The Delia Arts Foundation aims to address this gap and empower women by giving them the musical skillsets they seek. Whether they want to work in the music industry itself, or simply bring music into their homes and workplaces, we will be closely monitoring their progress through the programs we implement at the Delia Arts Center- Gaza. Cultural institutions have the moral obligation to address this gap and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society where all women have access to music.
