This March, Sing for Hope filled iconic spaces like Moynihan Train Hall, Union Station DC, and Oculus World Trade Center with the resonant power of women’s voices, celebrating Women in Music Month with a captivating series of live performances. The month-long programming showcased a diverse array of extraordinary women artists, some familiar Sing for Hope collaborators, and others welcomed as vibrant new additions to the Sing for Hope community.
But the celebration went beyond the music. These talented artists also shared their personal experiences navigating the music industry as women, addressing persistent gender disparities, celebrating hard-won triumphs, and offering invaluable advice to the next generation of musicians. Their collective stories revealed a powerful shared commitment to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and creatively vibrant musical landscape for all.
The statistics are stark: recent studies reveal that women comprised a mere 19.5% of songwriters and a shockingly low 6.5% of producers on the 2023 Billboard Hot 100 Year-End Chart. These disparities continue to cast a long shadow across genres, disproportionately affecting women working independently or within male-dominated musical scenes.
Gabby Cameron, of the folk duo Nick and Gabby, reflected on the historical context of Appalachian music: "Women have always been the forebears of the genre and tradition, yet have not received that recognition until recent waves made by pioneers like Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer. It's inspiring to see artists like Rhiannon Giddens now telling the stories of Black female contributions to Appalachian folk musics. These artists fuel my craft, and I strive to continue spreading their powerful message of inclusion."
Gabby Cameron emphasized that genuine inclusion comes from conscious, everyday actions: "There are well-meaning men in music, but many lack the self-awareness to understand how their behavior sidelines women in traditional spaces. At shows or jams, look around. If someone's standing on the sidelines, invite them in. That kind of action has more impact than any feminist infographic ever could."
Broadway violinist Rachel Handman recounted her experience as the only woman in a 17-piece orchestra early in her career: "Now, four of us are women. The pendulum is swinging. The ongoing evolution of inclusion, and the systems of accountability that accompany it, are finally creating the space for women to thrive."
Oboist Keve Wilson, Handman’s longtime musical partner in Big Apple Quintet, added: "As a kid, I never noticed that men outnumbered women in music leadership roles. But now, I'm committed to being the one who opens doors and actively hires young women."
For Kely Pinheiro, who collaborates with violinist Fabienne Jean, the transformation has been both deeply personal and widely visible: "There were so many times I was the only woman in the room—and that started to feel normal. But that's changing. More women are being seen and heard, and that's incredibly empowering."
Classical guitarist Dr. Alberta Khoury noted a similar shift in her field: "For a long time, my instrument was dominated by male performers. But I feel excited and confident because there's so much room now for women to step forward and receive the recognition they deserve."
Vocal powerhouse and National Trustee of the Recording Academy, Tamara Wellons, underscored the importance of self-advocacy: "When I felt undervalued, I moved on. That mindset empowered me to build my own ladder to success. I'm proud to now be part of a growing team of women who lead at the national level. That's true progress."
These artists, whether reinterpreting folk ballads or conducting orchestras, composing innovative jazz suites or mentoring aspiring students, serve as powerful examples of what’s possible when women claim ownership of their artistry and forge their own paths. They embody resilience, purpose, and a spirit of generosity that inspires the next generation.
As Camila Cortina powerfully stated: "To emerging artists: invest fiercely in yourself. Build your strong support network. Take bold initiative in creating your own opportunities. Don't let anyone else define your path forward."
This Women in Music Month, and every day, Sing for Hope is proud to amplify the voices and stories of these remarkable artists. Their music moves audiences. Their leadership moves the entire field of music forward.
