The recent Hollywood sexual assault allegations, the #MeToo movement and revelations of gender pay gaps at corporations such as the BBC have resulted in renewed public debate about gender equality and feminism.

These issues have affected women from all sectors of society, and women working in the music industry and academia have also, of course, faced many forms of discrimination and abuse. What has the increased discussion and media visibility surrounding these issues revealed? Have we achieved gender parity, and what does ‘gender equality’ in the music industry and academia look like? Is it simply about equal representation, or is there more to it? Do women have the same professional experiences as their male counterparts, or are concerns about sexism, including the physical objectification of women, still valid? Moreover, what does diversity mean, and how do we ensure that the women who are disproportionately affected by these issues (disabled, LGBTQIA or women of colour) included in these debates? Conversely, have quotas gone too far, and do women now hold the balance of power?

Panellists:
Claudia Molitor
Soosan Lolavar
Amy Hollinrake-Tune
Deborah Dickinson
Shay Loya
Stephen Cottrell