On the occasion of the International Day for Women’s Rights, Franck Riester, Minister of Culture, entrusted the National Music Centre on 6 March with the task of drawing up an action plan to promote equality between women and men in the music industry.

On the occasion of the International Women’s Rights Day, Franck Riester, Minister of Culture, entrusts the National Music Centre with the task of drawing up an action plan to promote equality between women and men in the music industry.

Promoting equality between women and men is a priority for the Minister of Culture.

The eighth edition of the Observatory on Gender Equality in Culture and Communication, published today (to be found here), illustrates the progress made in recent years, particularly in terms of appointments.

This study also shows the persistence of specific inequalities and discrimination. They call for resolute action to improve the visibility of creators and their access to creative means, support women in their career progression, fight against sexist stereotypes, prevent and reverse all forms of harassment and gender and sexual violence.

Ambitious actions have been undertaken on all these fronts, particularly in the fields of live entertainment and cinema. In 2020, a special effort will be made in the music sector. To this end, the National Music Centre plans to devote €1.3 million to the promotion of gender equality and the prevention of violence.

Three priorities were identified:

  • Strengthen the consideration of equality in the allocation of financial aid, particularly in the form of “bonuses”;
  • Raise awareness of the prevention of harassment and violence;
  • Showcase the musical heritage created by women.

Franck Riester, Minister of Culture, said: I have entrusted Jean-Philippe Thiellay, President of the CNM, with the task of drawing up an action plan for equality, which will be presented to me before the summer. Together with all the players in the music sector, the president will have to propose concrete measures to meet these priority objectives: visibility of women, professional integration and training, fight against gender-based and sexual violence.”

Jean-Philippe Thiellay, with the support of the senior equality official of the Ministry of Culture, will also be responsible for conducting a specific mission on gender equality in music festivals. In close consultation with their directors and directors, they will have the responsibility to define together the modalities of a more balanced representation of women and men in the programming.

Festivals will also be encouraged to take an “equal responsibility” approach, aimed at preventing harassment and sexual and gender-based violence, in particular through the training of their staff and the establishment of support mechanisms.