Empowering Women in the Music Industry: Knowledge, Safety, Awareness, and Wellness
By Dr. Eva Petersen, LL.B (Hons), BVC (Law), MRes, PhD, FHEA.
As someone with a diverse background as a musician, lawyer, and educator, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and safety concerns that women face in the music industry. As a young musician in the Liverpool music scene of the early 2000s, I witnessed how issues surrounding women’s safety were rarely addressed. Despite the progress made over the years, there remains a significant gap in the support, protection, and wellness resources available to women in the industry.
Drawing upon my experience as a lecturer in the music industry and specialist in Employment Law—particularly the Equality Act 2010—I am deeply committed to shedding light on these critical issues. My experiences as a signed artist, coupled with my legal expertise, have driven my research into the safety, wellness, and legal rights of women in music. During my touring days, I often felt isolated, unsure of my rights, and uncertain about my safety due to the lack of guidance, mentorship, and industry structures that adequately supported women starting in the field. Even with a supportive manager and some legal knowledge, the resources simply weren’t there. My concern about these gaps in safety and wellness has only intensified as I now teach and mentor aspiring women musicians who frequently seek guidance on navigating their own challenges in the industry.
My latest research, based on interviews with women musicians from Liverpool and beyond, reveals that many of us still grapple with the same issues of safety and lack of support. This research is more than an academic exercise—it aims to drive social impact and call for action through increased awareness and advocacy. By sharing these women’s stories and amplifying their voices, I aim to challenge the status quo within the industry and advocate for meaningful change.
While UK legislation like the Equality Act 2010 offers legal protection against discrimination and harassment, many women remain unaware of these safeguards, and even fewer have access to mental health and wellness resources tailored to their unique needs. My collaboration with Nadine Page, founder of The Creative Well—an organisation recently recognised as ‘Best Global Performing Arts Mental Health Support 2024’—marks a crucial step forward. Nadine, a highly skilled and experienced holistic mental health practitioner specialising in addictions, brings over three decades of expertise to our mission. Together, we are dedicated to creating a supportive network for women in the music industry, providing a platform where their voices are not only heard but truly valued.
Our goal is to provide mentoring and support to ensure that every woman in music can perform with confidence, knowing her safety, rights, and wellness are respected. By focusing on both safety and holistic well-being, we aim to empower women to thrive in their careers, foster resilience, and promote a healthier and more inclusive music industry for all.
We offer workshops and mentoring sessions across the UK and globally, providing a safe space for women to talk, share their experiences and access the advice, information and knowledge to help navigate and thrive within the music industry.
You can contact Nadine and Eva here:
Nadine Page:
https://www.the-creative-well.com/about/
Email: nadine@the-creative-well.com
Dr Eva Petersen:
Instagram: @evacalsdottirpetersen
Linked in: LinkedIn.com/in/dr-eva-petersen-06354264