A New Report Reveals the Gender Imbalance in the Music Industry Creators' Rosters
On August 26, 2026, coinciding with Women’s Equality Day, She Is The Music alongside ROSTR unveiled the findings of Music's Gender Parity Index, revealing an alarming statistic: women comprise less than 30% of creators within the music industry. This report analyzed over 500 industry rosters, and the implications of these findings shed light on a persistent gender imbalance that may hinder the creativity and financial potential of the music ecosystem.
The report details that women represent only 29.7% of rostered IP-generating creators, translating to fewer than three out of ten. Even in managerial and agent positions, women hold only 26.7% and 25.9% respectively, indicating an imbalance not only in creative representation but also in professional roles that are pivotal to the industry.
Crucially, the data indicates that while three qualifying agencies with more than 100 creators have achieved a roster of over 50% women, the overall growth has stagnated - women have consistently comprised around 35% of new representation deals annually since 2023. In comparing different roles within the industry, the statistics show a slight decline in women's representation in new label signings, which dropped from 38.4% in 2023 to 34.3% as of mid-2026. Furthermore, within publishing, the share of women stands at a mere 27.8% of new deals.
Despite the evident disparities, the report showcases a glimmer of hope with the identification of 63 companies and professionals committed to gender parity, forming what is termed the '50% Club'. Each member of this club constitutes rosters where at least 50% of creators are women. Organizations such as CAA (38.6%) and Universal Music Group (34.2%) lead with impressive representation, while agencies like TBA Agency (55.6%) and Luger (53.6%) serve as examples of successful implementation of gender balance.
Laura Segura, Executive Director of She Is The Music, emphasized the link between roster composition and broader music industry dynamics, stating, "The imbalance we see on charts, festival stages, and credits starts long before the spotlight — it starts with who gets signed, represented, and backed."
To counteract these challenges, the report proposes five commitments aimed at companies involved in signing and representing talent, advocating for a targeted effort toward achieving gender parity by 2030. Recognizing that achieving parity isn't solely about numbers, companies are encouraged to broaden their outreach, expand pathways to entry, and maintain transparency in their progress.
To support the initiatives of She Is The Music, ROSTR has pledged $63,000 in ROSTR Pro subscriptions in recognition of the 63 companies already committed to gender balance. This pledge illustrates a proactive step toward closing the gender gap in a music industry that has historically marginalized female creators and professionals.
This report serves as both a call to action and a benchmark for the music industry as it heads toward 2030. It identifies areas for improvement and underscores the importance of equitable representation at all levels within the ecosystem, aiming to build a more just and prosperous future for all creators. With ongoing focus and commitment, it is possible to reshape the landscape of the music industry, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but valued.
As this analysis has shown, the path to equality remains arduous but achievable with concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.
For further information on the study's specifics and actionable pathways toward achieving parity, the full report is available through She Is The Music and ROSTR.
Key Findings
The report details that women represent only 29.7% of rostered IP-generating creators, translating to fewer than three out of ten. Even in managerial and agent positions, women hold only 26.7% and 25.9% respectively, indicating an imbalance not only in creative representation but also in professional roles that are pivotal to the industry.
Crucially, the data indicates that while three qualifying agencies with more than 100 creators have achieved a roster of over 50% women, the overall growth has stagnated - women have consistently comprised around 35% of new representation deals annually since 2023. In comparing different roles within the industry, the statistics show a slight decline in women's representation in new label signings, which dropped from 38.4% in 2023 to 34.3% as of mid-2026. Furthermore, within publishing, the share of women stands at a mere 27.8% of new deals.
The 50% Club
Despite the evident disparities, the report showcases a glimmer of hope with the identification of 63 companies and professionals committed to gender parity, forming what is termed the '50% Club'. Each member of this club constitutes rosters where at least 50% of creators are women. Organizations such as CAA (38.6%) and Universal Music Group (34.2%) lead with impressive representation, while agencies like TBA Agency (55.6%) and Luger (53.6%) serve as examples of successful implementation of gender balance.
Laura Segura, Executive Director of She Is The Music, emphasized the link between roster composition and broader music industry dynamics, stating, "The imbalance we see on charts, festival stages, and credits starts long before the spotlight — it starts with who gets signed, represented, and backed."
Aspirations for Change
To counteract these challenges, the report proposes five commitments aimed at companies involved in signing and representing talent, advocating for a targeted effort toward achieving gender parity by 2030. Recognizing that achieving parity isn't solely about numbers, companies are encouraged to broaden their outreach, expand pathways to entry, and maintain transparency in their progress.
To support the initiatives of She Is The Music, ROSTR has pledged $63,000 in ROSTR Pro subscriptions in recognition of the 63 companies already committed to gender balance. This pledge illustrates a proactive step toward closing the gender gap in a music industry that has historically marginalized female creators and professionals.
Conclusion
This report serves as both a call to action and a benchmark for the music industry as it heads toward 2030. It identifies areas for improvement and underscores the importance of equitable representation at all levels within the ecosystem, aiming to build a more just and prosperous future for all creators. With ongoing focus and commitment, it is possible to reshape the landscape of the music industry, ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but valued.
As this analysis has shown, the path to equality remains arduous but achievable with concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved.
For further information on the study's specifics and actionable pathways toward achieving parity, the full report is available through She Is The Music and ROSTR.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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