Koda's Gender Statistics: "Everyone Needs to Take Responsibility"

Music by female songwriters and composers is played to such an extent that they receive only 10 percent of Koda's total payouts.

This remains the conclusion after the fifth consecutive gender statistics report, which Koda is responsible for. Women, who constitute only 20 percent of Koda's members, receive just 10 percent of the total payouts from areas such as streaming, radio, TV, and concerts.

Meanwhile, the proportion of women among the highest earners has steadily declined since the first gender statistics were published in 2020, and it is currently at its lowest. For the second consecutive year, no women appear on the top 10 lists of the highest earning rights holders in Koda's largest payment areas.

"The most disheartening news is that there has been no overall positive development for five years," states Loui Törnqvist, chairperson of Koda, emphasizing that the entire music industry must take responsibility and work together to address the significant inequality in Danish music.

"Equality does not happen by itself. We know it requires a long and hard effort to achieve a more balanced gender representation. But we will never reach our goal if the entire music industry does not work together. That's why we are now urging the whole industry to take responsibility. Fortunately, a lot is happening in this area right now, but we need everyone on board," states Loui Törnqvist.

Targeted efforts on equality makes a difference

The new gender statistics follow DR's documentary on sexism in the music industry, where 150 sources came forward with testimonies of offensive behavior and a generally sexist environment in the Danish music industry. Additionally, the 2022 survey 'Why Are There So Few Women in Music?', based on 6,000 testimonies from members of Koda and Gramex, indicated widespread sexism, prejudices, and unregulated working conditions for women in Danish music.

"We know what the causes of inequality are. We've heard the stories. Conducted the analyses. Achieving a more balanced gender representation requires efforts on many levels, including confronting several decades of unhealthy culture and ingrained habits. Such things don't go away on their own. It's hard to change an entire structure. But I am confident it can be done. Actually, I think it's an obligation," says Loui Törnqvist.

One of the few bright spots in this year's gender statistics is an increase in radio earnings for female members of Koda. This indicates that with the right measures, it is possible to correct the imbalance. But it requires the entire music industry to stand together, believes Loui Törnqvist, who especially calls for streaming services to take greater responsibility.

"We can see how much of a difference it makes when DR works systematically and with a clear goal to promote equality. But there's still a long way to go, and we especially need the major music streaming services to join the fight."