International Women's Day : #UnleashHERMUSIC
- Guwahati, 10th March 2023 -

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IPRS’s #UnleashHERMUSIC campaign on International Women’s Day unfolds inspiring journeys of overcoming odds and how to be the change we want to see

As a spinoff of the HERMUSIC initiative, IPRS launched its #UnleashHERMUSIC campaign on International Women’s Day this year. The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) is a music copyright society representing over 10,000 authors, composers, and music publishers as its members. Despite an increase in female creators and women behind the scene in the music industry, there is still a long way to go.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in areas related to music creation, production, and as business leaders in the music industry. With this initiative, we aim to start a dialogue that will lead to the long-awaited transformation and pave the path for those deserving to join the industry. #UnleashHERMUSIC will be the platform for many in the industry to share their inspiring journey of overcoming the odds and how to be the changemaker. #UnleashHERMUSIC strives to inspire millions to pursue their passion and unleash themselves from the limitations that limit their dreams.

Taking the #UnleashHERMUSIC initiative ahead, the IPRS will conduct a nationwide survey to decode the obstacles limiting the participation of women in the music industry.

Renowned personalities from the industry like Srushti Tawde, Mercy Tetseo from The Tetseo Sisters, Pooja Gyanani, lyricist Saaveri Varma, Anwessha Avani, Joshi Vinita Chatterjee, Rajyalakshmu Kousalya, Gauri Yadwadkar, and prominent lawyer Priyanka Khimani, have come together to express their experience and inspiring many through their learnings.

Mercy Tetseo from The Tetseo Sisters Said

“As a woman, to prove yourself, even if you're really good at what you do is an uphill task. It is unfortunate how society categorizes us women or girls or females, and then tries to make you believe that, maybe you're not good enough or you don't belong there. People don't come out to your face, they make you feel like that.

Logistics, is another limitation that a lot of women face safety issues, right? I mean, personally, from my own experience and beliefs, you need a support system. You know, as women, whether you want to become an artist, a composer, a writer, or somebody who just wants to work in the music industry or even if it's just in a corporate setup, it's the encouragement and the support system that you have around you that's really important.

As women, you have to take it upon yourself to actually go out there and make yourself available to all these opportunities and look for opportunities.”

Anwesshaa - singer and composer- Kolkata

Discrimination in payment, in my opinion, should be addressed in the context of female creators in the entertainment industry. Wage equity is something I hope to see implemented. Some people just assess women based on their gender rather than their abilities, which should not happen. Opportunities should always be given to you based on your merit. It's a really optimistic statement, and equality for both genders will take time. And I'm crossing my fingers for the best.

I believe it is critical to understand from a young age that merit, not gender, should be the criterion for assessment. If people see this early on and reach a position where they can make judgements that influence the careers of others, he or she will make responsible decisions that are not prejudiced in any way”

About IPRS:

IPRS is India’s only Copyright Society registered under the Copyright Act, of 1957, and counts nearly 10,000 of India’s best-known authors, composers, and music publishers as its members. IPRS is authorized under the Copyright Act, 1957 to carry on the business and granting of licenses in respect of literary works and musical works assigned to it by its members as well as collect and distribute authors’ statutory royalties, for the exploitation of these works either by way of live performances and/or sound recordings through any medium except when exhibited as a part of a cinematograph film shown in a cinema hall.