Spotify commissioned research in September to examine the challenges women face across India’s music ecosystem and identify practical steps to improve workplace conditions. Conducted by YouGov, the study surveyed more than 1,000 respondents nationwide through both quantitative and qualitative interviews. Women formed 70 per cent of the sample, largely from millennial and Gen Z cohorts and representing roles such as singers, songwriters, composers, DJs, producers, sound engineers and employees in music labels and event companies.
The findings reflect incremental progress but highlight persistent gaps around safety, inclusion and leadership visibility. Safety emerged as the top concern, with more than half of respondents ranking safe and inclusive environments among their most urgent needs. Thirty-six per cent reported experiencing unsafe or non-inclusive workplaces, indicating that the issue extends beyond perception. Work-life balance and family support also ranked high, with 52 per cent listing these as barriers to sustaining long-term careers.
Women working in technical roles such as sound engineering and production reported the lowest perceived growth opportunities, with only 31 per cent rating them as excellent. Respondents linked this to limited mentorship, a lack of women in leadership positions and ongoing stereotypes associated with technical responsibilities. In comparison, 50 per cent of women across other functions viewed their growth prospects positively.
The absence of mentorship was a consistent thread, with nearly 40 per cent reporting challenges due to limited peer or professional support. Thirty-nine per cent also cited restricted leadership and decision-making access. A majority, at 61 per cent, believed that enhanced leadership visibility and representation would support career advancement.
Dhruvank Vaidya, head of music and podcast at Spotify India, said the findings reaffirm that safety, visibility and inclusion are essential to creating a more equitable industry. Spotify’s EQUAL initiative, which focuses on celebrating and amplifying women artists, continues to support this objective through playlisting, marketing and networking opportunities. Spotify also hosted its first EQUAL event in India this week, bringing together women from across the sector.
