UN Women UK and Strawberries & Creem Launch Safe Spaces Now Initiative

There’s no doubt that we have a long way to go to create safe spaces for women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented groups. Enter: the Safe Spaces Now initiative. 

UK event producers Strawberries & Creem joined forces with British NGO UN Women to create a campaign taking a stand against sexual harassment and abuse. The two organizations introduced the initiative with an open letter, calling to sign a petition to change the current climate of nightlife.

“But now we must face our own reality. And this reality is one that our industry has too long ignored: venues, festivals, studios and workplaces are too often not safe spaces for women, girls and marginalised genders. 

It is high time we change that, and we have a collective responsibility to take action. This restart needs to be for all of us. Our spaces must provide safety from harassment, violence, and abuse of power. Music should be a place of joy and inclusion for all.

Let’s make 2021 the year the music and events industries rise up to the call of the #MeToo movement – and commit to change.”

They go on to reveal startling statistics. More than 7 in 10 women have been sexually harassed in the UK, and for over 40% of these women (40 years old and younger), it’s happened at a live music event. Additionally, more than 60% of music industry professionals have experienced sexual harassment.

If you’re still skeptical, don’t be. They add that 95% of women have not reported their sexual harassment. As a woman in music who knows a lot of other women in music, I can confirm that this indeed happens every day.

Join the movement by reading the whole letter and signing the petition here. It’s time for big changes in the music industry worldwide.