Brussels, 8th March 2024

As part of this year’s International Women’s Day, IMPALA reflects on how the association is attempting to boost inclusion through two practical programmes designed to bring more members to the table. 

In 2021, IMPALA introduced a new board diversity programme with second representatives, as well as free label membership, with a board seat for independent labels selected by their national association. 

Two years later, IMPALA’s President introduced a new initiative to bring in more ideas through blue sky association meetings every month where representatives from associations take the floor on whatever issues of the day they chose. 

Reflecting on the impact of these changes, IMPALA’s president Francesca Trainini from the Italian association PMI commented: “through these initiatives, more women are participating, contributing new ideas and perspectives. The theme of inspiring inclusion is one that we try and put into practice. Having served two terms as IMPALA Chair and elected in September as President, I can see the difference, with more women round the table. At the same time, we know we have a long way to go.”

With inspire inclusion being the theme of International Women’s Day this year (read more here), Francesca continued: “I encourage all members to appoint their second representative and take advantage of our free label membership programme as a way of championing gender equality and creating a more inclusive and equitable music industry”. 

IMPALA’s work on EDI is championed by a task force chaired by Eva Karman Reinhold who also flagged the business case for taking action at the level of individual companies: “Our last annual report looked specifically at the business case for change, the different ways this has a positive impact as well as tips on addressing the question of diversity fatigue”.

Eva also flagged the work of IMPALA’s 2023 Changemaker award winner WOMEN IN CTRL, set up to empower and inspire women in the entertainment, creative and business sectors of the music industry. Women in CTRL encourages women and non-binary persons to find their strengths, develop their own personal brand and build the tools and confidence to become leaders. Eva concluded: “Our Changemaker award winner Women in CTRL is an excellent example of ongoing work to advance gender equality for under-represented groups in the music industry”.  

About IMPALA

IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members, runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA.