Women employed as DJs in Wales have voiced serious concerns regarding safety, harassment, and sexual assault, elements they describe as commonplace in their professional experiences. Numerous individuals reported incidents of being stalked, assaulted, or intimidated while performing in clubs and at festivals.
„I have experienced men grabbing me and forcing me to kiss them,“ stated DJ and broadcaster Katie Owen. „One man followed me off the bus late at night, ran behind me to my front door, and attempted to enter my home… I felt extremely vulnerable.“
Many female DJs indicated a shift in their work patterns, opting to avoid late-night events, altering their travel arrangements, or even contemplating leaving the industry entirely. Some of those contacted by the BBC chose to remain anonymous, citing their experiences as too distressing to discuss publicly.
Call for Reform in the Industry
These women are advocating for immediate measures from venues, promoters, and security teams to foster a safer and more equitable environment in the music sector.
Katie Owen, who is originally from Merthyr Tydfil and Pontyclun in Rhondda Cynon Taf, noted that fear has significantly influenced her life planning. Having spent eight years as a DJ, with milestones such as presenting on BBC Radio 1, performing at the Reading and Leeds Festival, and touring with Kasabian, she conveyed that these achievements are shadowed by consistent harassment.
„I have received comments implying that my success is solely due to personal relationships with promoters,“ she remarked. „Such harassment appears to be more socially accepted when directed at women, whereas similar remarks about male DJs are rarely made.“
Owen further explained that at one point, the situation escalated to a degree where she ceased promoting her performances online due to a stalker attending her events. „I experienced anxiety while performing, not knowing if they were in the audience. You’re left performing while feeling observed,“ she added.
Gender Inequality in the DJ Scene
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Owen has become increasingly selective about the gigs she accepts, stating, „I refuse to take on events that conclude after 01:00 unless I can arrange for a taxi home.“ She emphasized, „It should not be necessary to incur costs for safe transportation simply because we are women. We ought to be able to use public transportation without fear of harassment or being followed.“
DJ Esyllt Williams, who has been active in nightclubs throughout Wales, Bristol, and London for over 20 years, echoed similar sentiments about the persistent challenges faced by women in the industry. „It is undoubtedly more challenging for women, as there exists significant prejudice. People interact with us differently, making it more difficult to secure gigs and to be taken seriously,“ she explained.
Williams reported frequent instances where patrons questioned her qualifications solely based on gender, even in clear performance situations. „I am wearing headphones and clearly the sole DJ present, yet they engage with male individuals nearby instead, asking them about the music and offering congratulations,“ she noted.
Safety Concerns Extend Beyond Venues
Williams also highlighted that safety issues often stretch beyond the venue’s confines. „I have been followed to my car and to taxis, situations that male DJs typically do not confront,“ she explained.
Radio presenter and club DJ Molly Palmer further discussed her experiences with intimidation, detailing instances of men shouting and throwing objects at her while she worked. „I have faced constant scrutiny regarding my equipment, and efforts to intimidate me, with comments questioning my expertise,“ she said. „From my perspective, the long-standing male DJs I know do not encounter these challenges at all.“
Palmer clarified that the ramifications extend beyond specific incidents, stating, „You develop defense mechanisms simply to navigate your work environment. That is something my male colleagues do not need to consider.“
Push for Industry Change
She also pointed out a lack of diversity in festival line-ups across Wales, stating, „It is common to see a limited number of women repeatedly booked. This raises questions about the availability of opportunities for women, non-binary, and transgender individuals to learn and advance in the field.“
Trishna Singh-Davies, the founder of the Ladies of Rage support group aimed at assisting women within the music industry, stressed the importance of tackling inequality from its roots. „Our work is focused on transforming the industry so that my three-month-old daughter will see a level playing field by the time she reaches 21. She should not encounter gender-based discrimination in her workplace. This environment should not be exclusive to men; it is open to anyone with the requisite skills, talent, and passion,“ she asserted.
The BBC Wales reached out to organizations in Wales to inquire about existing measures safeguarding female performers. However, no responses were provided.
