WOMEN OF NAMM I BY BONNIE GALLANTER Celebrating Women in Music
A s we observe International Women’s Month this March, it’s a powerful moment to reflect on the incredible journey of women in music, a community rich with resilience, innovation and unwavering passion. At the heart of this celebration is acknowledging our shared history and past victories, while also envisioning a future where women continue to shape and define the musical landscape. From trailblazing pioneers to today’s rising stars, women have consistently broken barriers and redefined what’s possible. Much of this progress is built on the behind-the-scenes work of organiza-
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE While it’s important to honor how far we’ve come, we must also look ahead. The future for women in music is bright, yet there’s still work to do. We must continue breaking down barriers by addressing gen- der bias, unequal pay and lack of representation in executive roles. Supporting mentorship programs, diversity-focused organizations, such as Women of NAMM and the Wom- en’s International Music Network, and inclusive industry policies is essential to building momentum. From behind the scenes, my fo- cus remains on creating platforms that elevate women, foster commu- nity and inspire action. Producing events like The She Rocks Awards involves more than logistics; it’s about cultivating relationships, amplifying stories and ensuring that voices which might otherwise go unheard have a place to shine. A YEAR-ROUND COMMITMENT Our celebration doesn’t end with March. Progress happens through ongoing, consistent action by building partnerships, curating programming, mentoring emerg- ing talent and advocating for eq- uitable practices throughout the year. Each effort strengthens our community and contributes to a more inclusive, vibrant industry. International Women’s Month is a meaningful reminder of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. As someone who devotes countless hours behind the scenes, I’m proud to be part of this remarkable community. MI Bonnie Gallanter is the executive director of The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN), co-producer of the She Rocks Awards, producer and managing director of Valkyr Productions, and a member of Women of NAMM.
tions, events, and individuals committed to elevating women in music. As the executive director of The Women’s International Music Network and co-producer of The She Rocks Awards, I’ve had the good fortune to see firsthand how dedication, collaboration and vision drive meaningful change. HONORING OUR HISTORY Our community’s history is filled with stories of cour- age, creativity and perseverance. From female artists who challenged societal norms to industry leaders who pioneered new paths, their contributions laid a foundation of strength. Celebrating these milestones reminds us that the path wasn’t always easy, but perseverance and community made progress possible. Recognizing these stories during International
Women’s Month lets us honor those who came before us, inspiring future generations. The She Rocks Awards, founded by Laura Whitmore, was created as a platform to spotlight women making waves in music, providing visibility that was his- torically lacking. Its evolution reflects a broader movement toward inclusivity and celebrates the diverse talents that enrich our industry. CELEBRATING OUR WINS Every achievement in our community, big or small, deserves recognition. From breakthrough
“Supporting mentorship programs, diversity-focused organizations, such as Women of NAMM and the Women’s International Music Network, and inclusive industry policies is essential to building momentum.”
performances and recordings to leadership roles and entrepreneurial endeavors, women are demonstrating their impact across all facets of music. It’s our mission to shine a light on those individuals. Behind the scenes, this work involves mentoring, cultivating relationships, advocating for equality and creating spaces where women can thrive. Producing The She Rocks Awards requires careful planning, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to celebrating excellence. But it has grown into far more than an awards show — it fosters connection, amplifies voices and encourages women to feel seen, heard and empowered.
32 I MUSIC INC. I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026
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