International Women’s Day

The celebration of International Women’s Day is a significant opportunity to honour the accomplishments of women in all industries, including music. Women have contributed significantly to the world of music throughout history, both as performers and composers.

Women have made their mark in a variety of genres, from the classical era to contemporary pop music. In the world of classical music, women like Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann broke new ground while creating timeless works of art.

Women like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bessie Smith opened the way for future generations of female singers in jazz and blues, influencing new musical forms and methods that are still in use today. Rock & roll pioneers like Joan Jett and Janis Joplin broke through gender stereotypes and gave the genre—which was previously dominated by men—a strong and distinctive voice.

Women are still making tremendous advancements in music today. From Lady Gaga to Lizzo, Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, female performers are setting records and pushing the envelope in pop music. Female Hip-hop artists, like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, are defying preconceived notions of femininity and boosting the voices of underrepresented groups. 

But despite these achievements, women still face significant hurdles in the music industry, from unequal pay to harassment and discrimination. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made, but also to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal representation and opportunities for all women in music.

Let’s honour and appreciate the many women who have made contributions to the music industry and continue to motivate future generations of female musicians as we observe International Women’s Day.