The Keychange Pledge Report 2023-2025 is one of the most comprehensive public reports on gender balance and intersectional inclusion in the global music industry.

Based on data collected from hundreds of Pledge signatories worldwide, the report shows that a significant proportion of organizations (50,7%) are achieving their gender balance goals, but progress is uneven across regions, sectors, and demographics. Western European festivals continue to dominate participation and reporting. The conclusion is clear: the Pledge alone is insufficient. Without stronger accountability mechanisms, broader sectoral and regional engagement, and targeted leadership development, structural inequalities in music will persist.

“The latest Pledge report shows that gender equality in music is achievable and sustainable,” says Aysha Hussain, co-head of the Pledge program. “However, progress is not without challenges; financial pressures, market inequality, and gender imbalances in leadership positions continue to slow change, and systematic data reporting and intersectional inclusivity require further development. Pledge signatories are increasingly adopting a systemic, intersectional approach to their gender equality efforts. This indicates a crucial shift—from visibility on stage to internal organizational culture and infrastructure that delivers long-term change.”

• High level of achievement of gender balance targets: 50,7% of reporting signatories achieved their targets in 2025, 67,4% in 2024 and 67,7% in 2023. The 2025 survey also introduced a partial success option, with 36% of respondents reporting progress, showing that most organisations are actively working towards gender equality.
• Despite the increase in the number of agencies, promoters and educational institutions, festivals remain the dominant group – they constitute up to 48% of reporting signatories.
• Geographical imbalances persist in both reporting and overall signatory participation: UK and German organisations continue to dominate, while representation from Central and Eastern Europe and the Global South remains limited.
• While many organizations are achieving gender balance, progress on race, class, accessibility, and socioeconomic inclusion has been slower – intersectional equity remains a key challenge. Signatories point out that limited access to diverse talent pools, financial barriers, and market pressures make achieving intersectional equity difficult.
• Intersectional progress is evolving alongside gender equality efforts: in 2025, one-third of reporting signatories committed to intersectional goals across race, class, accessibility, and socioeconomic background. Of these, 78,8% (14 of 18) reported significant progress.
• Awareness and responsibility have increased – signatories indicate that the Pledge has influenced decision-making processes, monitoring and organisational culture.

The report highlights the need to go beyond declarative goals and move towards systemic changes, including:

• broader involvement not only of festivals, but also of record labels, publishers, broadcasters, agencies and educational institutions;
• improving reporting tools and mechanisms to encourage long-term accountability;
• strengthening the support structure for organizations working on intersectional equality;
• investing in leadership pathways for people with diverse gender identities and backgrounds.

In response, Keychange confirms that the report’s findings directly shape the next phase of action, including the development of new digital tools for signatories and a renewed focus on leadership and talent development.

“The data clearly shows one thing: progress happens when accountability is linked to action,” says Lea Karwoth, project leader of Keychange Leaders. “Our next steps focus on equipping organizations—and individuals—with the tools, knowledge, and leadership paths needed to drive lasting change.”

The Keychange Pledge report will be the basis for implementing the Keychange Toolkit and Online Signatory Environment – ​​tools designed to provide organizations with practical guidance, benchmarking, and opportunities to learn from each other.

With International Women’s Day approaching, Keychange will also announce the participants of the 2026 edition of the Talent Leadership Programme, translating the report’s findings into concrete investments in the next generation of music industry leaders from underrepresented backgrounds and gender identities.

Keychange Pledge

The Keychange Pledge is a global commitment to achieving gender balance and promoting intersectional inclusion in the music industry. Signatories commit to concrete actions, transparent reporting, and long-term organizational change.

Keychange Pledge Report 2023–2025
List of Pledge signatories
Sign the Pledge

Keychange Pledge

Keychange is a pioneering international initiative shaping the future of music by encouraging festivals and music organizations to include at least 50% women and people of color in their programming, staffing, and other areas of operations. To date, over 300 artists and music professionals of color have been included in Keychange's talent development programs in 13 European countries and Canada.

The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme is part of the broader Keychange movement, funded by the European Union and industry partners to build a more equitable and inclusive music industry. Running until April 2027, the programme supports 42 new leaders from Europe and Canada each year, creating a ripple effect that strengthens representation and equality in the global music ecosystem.

In 2026, Keychange Leaders will support another 44 participants from Europe and Canada.

Partners and Supporting Keychange Leaders

Reeperbahn Festival/RBX, Shiftworks/Tallinn Music Week, Musikcentrum Öst, Keychange (ASBL), Culture Hub Poland, SACEM, Oslo World, Different Sounds Festival/Workshops of Culture Lublin, Artist in Bloom, PRS Foundation, FACTOR, SOCAN Foundation, STIM, Arts Council of Sweden, GEMA, Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, Talent Norge