Gloria Steinem’s Revolution Is Unfinished
The feminist icon made clear throughout her career that the work is never done, and voting is just the beginning
Gloria Steinem's recent passing has sparked a renewed conversation about the state of feminism and the unfinished work of the revolution she helped lead. As a cultural icon and tireless advocate for women's rights, Steinem's legacy serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over. In the music industry, this conversation is particularly relevant, as women continue to face significant barriers to success and representation.
The music industry has made some strides in recent years, with women like Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé achieving immense success and using their platforms to advocate for feminist causes. However, despite these gains, women remain underrepresented in key roles, from artists to producers to industry executives. According to a 2020 report, women make up just 2% of producers and 3% of audio engineers in the music industry. This lack of representation has significant implications for the types of stories that get told and the perspectives that get heard.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it's clear that the unfinished work of Steinem's revolution remains a pressing concern. To watch next: the ways in which artists and industry leaders will continue to push for greater representation and equality, and the impact that this will have on the types of music that get made and the stories that get told. The recent rise of feminist-leaning artists like Olivia Rodrigo, who has used her platform to advocate for reproductive rights, is a promising sign that the conversation is continuing – and that the next generation of artists is committed to carrying on Steinem's legacy.
Originally reported by rollingstone.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.