Inequality in the music market: women receive 10% of distributed copyrights

The study “Por Elas Que Fazem a Música”, carried out by the Brazilian Union of Composers (UBC), showed that, despite the increase in the number of members, the total amount of copyright distributed to women composers in 2022 grew very little compared to the previous year. year 2021, compared to the amount allocated to men. The report was released this Wednesday (8), International Women’s Day, and points out that women accounted for only 10% of copyright distributed last year in Brazil.

However, the survey also revealed that compared to the total collected abroad, Brazilian women had a good growth, receiving 17% of that amount in 2022. Among the 100 associates with the highest income from abroad in the last year, 27 are women, an amount that represents more than double that of 2021.

“Being a woman and black in Brazil is complex. And in this phonographic market, when there is still a bit of meritocracy, unlike other sectors of society, it has been possible, in some cases, to dedicate ourselves and live from what we love: music. I particularly had great partners and open doors. But I also received and receive countless no’s, as we know, which is everyone’s reality, with a hand that still weighs a little more for race and gender”, said the singer, songwriter and director of UBC, Paula Lima, who continues.

“But I had a lot of motivation throughout the story. There were many achievements and I am very grateful. In general, I still perceive an undervaluation of women in all sectors and in this art sector, especially black women. There are still few seats occupied and the events are far from what is fair. But the debate exists and the steps have been taken by us women and by men who are aware of the need for equality and diversity. It is necessary to evolve and transform for the greater good”, concluded the artist.

In the last year, a significant number of works and phonograms with female participation were registered. Within this total, between 2021 and 2022, the most prominent growth was the registration of phonograms with women as phonographic producers, increasing by 17%.

“We understand the importance of this survey for the market. From it, many projects in favor of gender equality are based and manage to reach the world, generating opportunities and an active change in our industry. As an institution, we will continue to encourage debate and support actions committed not only to gender equality, but to all types of diversity”? explains the head of communication at UBC, Mila Ventura.

The report “Por Elas Que Fazem A Música”, which has been published since 2018, showed that the total number of female members showed a significant growth until last year, increasing by 151%.

In the national territory, women residing in the Northeast and Southeast make up 77% of all members, revealing the lack of a greater female presence in the South, Midwest and, mainly, in the North.

Shows, radio and digital lead distribution sources

With the return of festivals, some with a massive presence of women in the line-up, the category of concerts was one of the largest sources of distribution of author rights to women, representing 15%. While radios represent 16%, Digital, 11%, and open and closed TVs 8% and 6%, respectively.