On Saturday (27/10), there was the NOBAR NOP #1 (Hangout Together Never Okay Project), a series of online discussions themed around sexual harassment in various sectors of the workforce. This first episode discusses sexual harassment in the music industry. The speakers present at this NOBAR are Zara Zahrina from Hantu Records & Publishing and Girl Up Indonesia, and Fithor Faris, a musician from the Bekasi Embassy. Also present are Firhat and Icha from the Never Okay Project as discussion starters on sexual harassment in the music industry.

Also read: Survey Report on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace During WfH

Objectification of Women Due to Male Dominance

The discussion begins from Zara's perspective, who now works in the indie music world. The imbalance between women and men is one of the biggest triggers for sexual harassment in the music industry. The labels “male dominance” and “music is not for women” have dominated this industry, especially in indie music. This culture is often referred to as patriarchy, where men dominate and hold power in a community.

Zara observes that women are only seen as mere objects, valued only for their physical appearance. She emphasizes that women deserve a stage to showcase their skills in music, not just a stage to sell beauty. If this continues to be allowed, surely sexual harassment in the music industry will persist.

Fithor agrees that some music producers intentionally make women enticing to increase ratings for the music. He regrets that there are still music producers who cannot see the value that women bring to music. This musician from the Bekasi Embassy believes that musicians should be judged by their work, not their gender.

Provide Safe Space for Women in the Music Industry

Zara poses the question, “Why are victims being blamed?” Women are blamed for violating the term “boy's club, play our rule” in a music industry that is inherently for all genders, not just men. Women often feel uncomfortable and unsafe. This makes it difficult for female musicians to emerge and develop.

Zara adds that audiences and promoters also need to change their mindset. Audiences should start to see and treat women fairly, both on and off stage. It is not uncommon for promoters to avoid finding out who the talented women are, and eventually, these women fade away over time.

Also read: Portrait of Sexual Harassment Conditions in Companies

Joint Movement to Eradicate Sexual Harassment in the Music Industry

Fithor realizes that this issue is a significant problem that needs to be resolved immediately. There are still few people who are unaware and indifferent to cases of sexual harassment. Fithor strongly supports and appreciates the movement initiated by the Never Okay Project. This initiative can serve as a reminder for everyone to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.

Zara adds that everyone involved in the music industry must synergize. Patriarchal culture, gender inequality, and misogyny in the Indonesian music industry must be eliminated. Zara highlights that the Never Okay Project is a real social issue agent in combating cases of sexual harassment in the industry.

Hangout Together with the Never Okay Project highlights the cases of harassment in the music industry that must be eradicated immediately. Music creators have the right to feel comfortable and safe in all aspects, particularly regarding gender and sexuality. Music does not discriminate by gender and must be free from the dominance of certain groups.

Check out the full conversation on our Youtube channel!