Since its inception in 2014, the Women In Music Roll of Honour has highlighted over 100 trailblazing women who have made an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Each inductee represents a ‘game changer’ within the industry, promoting gender empowerment and dismantling the disparities that have long plagued women and female-identifying individuals.
Linda joins this esteemed list, celebrated for her relentless advocacy through Why Not Her?, her pioneering data-driven gender disparity reports, and her powerful campaigns that have ignited conversations about equality in the UK and Irish radio and music landscapes.
Key Achievements by Linda Coogan Byrne and Why Not Her?:
- Gender Disparity Reports: The groundbreaking data analysis published by Why Not Her? in 2020 exposed the stark underrepresentation of women in Irish and UK radio airplay. The initial report went viral, reaching an audience of over 150 million people worldwide and leading to tangible industry changes.
- Influencing Industry Standards: Linda’s work led to major radio stations in Ireland and the UK achieving gender parity on their playlists, inspiring significant change within programming teams across the regions.
- Advocacy for Women of Colour: Why Not Her? has also shone a spotlight on the lack of representation for women of colour in music, driving conversations and changes in radio and music festival lineups to be more inclusive and diverse.
Linda’s powerful initiatives have not only sparked widespread media coverage but have also empowered countless women, non-binary artists, and people of colour across the music industry.
Linda expressed her gratitude upon receiving the honour:
✨ Humbled and Honoured ✨
“Thank you to everyone who messaged me today upon the 📣!
I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I will be inducted into Music Week’s Women In Music Roll of Honour this October! To be recognised alongside so many trailblazing women who have fought tirelessly to dismantle barriers in this industry is both overwhelming and empowering.
This is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the importance of continuing our collective fight for gender equality in the music industry and beyond. Through initiatives like Why Not Her?, we’ve been able to shine a light on gender disparity and advocate for meaningful change—work that is far from over.
Women’s voices belong at every table, on every stage, and in every boardroom. We are game changers, leaders, and disruptors, and together we will ensure that the next generation of women coming up in music will inherit an industry that values them equally.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. This honour is for all of us fighting for a fairer, more inclusive future. And for the team at @whynothereu, let’s keep raising the bar, breaking ceilings, and amplifying each other. The work continues. 💪 Looking forward to seeing my peers and fellow inductees in October!”
Linda’s induction ceremony will take place during the Women In Music Awards 2024, in association with TikTok, this October. This event will celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across all sectors of the music industry, honouring those who continue to push for equality, innovation, and excellence.