Gender Gaps

By Martin Inthamoussu

Why Is It Still So Hard for Women to Thrive in the Arts in 2025?

The arts have long been a space for challenging norms, breaking boundaries, and telling the stories that shape our societies. Yet, when it comes to gender equity in employment, the sector lags behind. Women in the arts face persistent challenges: lower pay, fewer leadership opportunities, and precarious working conditions. If the creative economy is to reach its full potential, these disparities must be addressed—not just by institutions, but by artists, cultural organizations, and grassroots movements alike.

The Gender Gap in the Arts: A Persistent Challenge

Despite decades of progress, the numbers tell a clear story:

• Wage Gaps – Women in the arts earn significantly less than their male counterparts. A report by the UK’s Creative Diversity Network found that women in creative roles earn 30% less than men—a wider disparity than the national average.

• Underrepresentation in Leadership – Only 30% of artistic directors in major theaters and orchestras worldwide are women (IFACCA, 2021).

• Precarious Work – Women are far more likely to be employed in freelance, part-time, or informal roles without benefits or job security. Many rely on short-term grants or projects, making long-term career stability difficult.

For women from marginalized communities—including women of color, indigenous women, and those with disabilities—these disparities are even more pronounced. The lack of employment equity doesn’t just limit individual careers; it also narrows the diversity of voices shaping our cultural landscape.

The Economic Cost of Inequity

This isn’t just a social issue—it’s an economic one. The global creative economy generates $2.3 trillion annually and employs 48 million people (UNESCO). Yet, by failing to create equitable workplaces, we are stifling both innovation and economic growth.

Research has shown that organizations with diverse leadership teams are more innovative and financially successful. In the arts, this means that closing the gender gap isn’t just about fairness—it’s about unlocking creative excellence and economic opportunity.

Beyond Institutions: How Artists and Cultural Organizations Can Drive Change

While government policies and international initiatives are important, meaningful change also happens at the grassroots level. Artists, collectives, and independent organizations play a crucial role in challenging gender disparities and pushing the industry forward. Some successful approaches include:

• Artist-Led Advocacy – Initiatives like Women in Music and Guerrilla Girls have reshaped conversations about representation in the arts, using research, activism, and public engagement to demand change.

• Independent Cultural Networks – Platforms like Ruidosa Fest (Latin America) and Keychange (Europe) actively promote women and non-binary artists in music, challenging industry norms and creating alternative career pathways.

• Funding Models That Work for Women – Traditional arts funding often favors established (male-led) institutions. Alternative models—such as microgrants, cooperative funding, and crowdfunding—are allowing more women to create, lead, and sustain their careers independently.

Case Studies: Employment Equity in Action

Several initiatives worldwide are making a difference:

• Colombia – The Creative Women Program has provided over 300 women with training and mentorship, helping them secure leadership roles in the cultural sector.

• France – A Gender Parity Certification for cultural organizations incentivizes fair hiring and leadership representation through financial rewards and increased visibility.

A Call to Action: What Can We Do?

To close the gender gap in arts employment, action is needed at all levels. Here’s how we can make a difference:

1. Artists & Creatives – Speak out, demand transparency, and support women-led projects and businesses. Advocate for fair pay and hiring practices within your industry.

2. Cultural Organizations & Festivals – Establish gender equity targets, create mentorship opportunities, and re-evaluate hiring and pay structures.

3. Funders & Philanthropists – Prioritize support for women-led arts initiatives and develop funding models that account for career precarity.

4. Policymakers – Implement and enforce employment equity laws in the cultural sector, ensuring that funding and public grants contribute to gender parity.

The arts are a powerful driver of cultural and economic development, but their impact is diminished when half the workforce is denied equitable opportunities. By taking action at every level—from independent artists to institutions—we can build a creative economy that is diverse, fair, and thriving.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The fight for gender equity in the arts is ongoing, but real change is happening. The question is: how will we each contribute? Whether you’re an artist, an arts leader, or an advocate, your voice and actions matter. Let’s push for an industry where talent—not gender—determines success.