The status of women in the music industry is developing slowly
The status of women in the Finnish music industry is evolving, but at a slow pace, with their representation remaining relatively unchanged.
The article discusses the slow progress of women's status in the Finnish music industry, as reported by the copyright organization Gramex. As of 2025, women's share among music performers and producers stands at 25.3%, a figure that remains nearly the same as the previous year. Furthermore, only 21% of music creators are women, highlighting the ongoing gender disparity in the industry. Despite these slow changes, statistics from both Teosto and Gramex indicate a gradual improvement, particularly with the representation of women among new clients joining these organizations.
The slow rate of change can be attributed to the long-standing history within the organizations, as membership with Teosto and Gramex is lifetime, meaning that many clients who are no longer actively working still have their impact reflected in the statistics. In a broader context, this disparity in representation is not unique to Finland, as similar percentages are seen across the Nordic countries and other parts of Europe. However, despite their growing presence, the financial contributions to women in the industry remain significantly lower than their male counterparts.
In 2025, only 15.4% of the payments made by Teosto to music creators went to women, underlining the financial inequalities that persist, echoing the challenges faced by women in the music industry at large. The statistics reflect a complex situation where, while there are slight improvements in representation, the fundamental financial and professional disparities continue to persist. Further focus and action will be necessary to foster a more equitable environment for women in this sector.