Music is a powerful tool that can form connections between people who have never met before, provide emotional support, and generally give enjoyment. No matter what genre or style you prefer, music has long been, and will continue to be, a constant in our lives. This is why it is important that we look more closely at who and what we are listening to. The entertainment industry, including the music industry, has been tailored to men. This is largely due to the fact that women are still a minority in the music industry, which causes them to face many barriers. However, there have always been women in music who have stood up for women’s voices in the industry. Not only do they make changes in the industry, but they can help inspire many other women as well! 

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Beyonce 

Beyonce is one of the most famous music icons in the world today. However, she has also spent her career emphasizing the strength and beauty of women. Through her music with songs like “Run the World (Girls)” and “Flawless,” Beyonce constantly reminds herself and her listeners that women have a lot of power in this world. She has also worked with Chime for Change, which works to address gender inequality. 

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Rihanna 

Although Rihanna hasn’t released any new music recently (although we are always hoping for R9 to drop), she is still a prominent figure in the music industry. Rihanna has always been authentic to herself as an artist and never allowed others to define her by anything other than what she believed. Rihanna has worked to create spaces where women can accept themselves for who they are with love and pride. She expanded outside of music and into the beauty industry by founding Fenty Beauty, creating more representation of diversity. 

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Spice Girls 

The popular 90s British pop girl group generated fans across the world and have created timeless hits like “Wannabe” that will always be popular. In a period filled with boy bands, the Spice Girls also represented girl power as they showed that girls can do anything they want to do too. The girl group also showed that being a strong woman looked different for everyone, and that what mattered is that you are being authentic to yourself. 

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P!nk 

Throughout her entire career P!nk has been determined to remain true to herself and to share who she is, and her experiences, with no filter. Dismissing societal expectations of gender and what a woman should look like. With songs like “F—kin’ Perfect” and “So What” P!nk encourages her listeners to embrace who they are and never change for somebody else. 

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Lady Gaga 

Lady Gaga has produced many brilliant songs, along with creative and jaw-dropping music videos and looks that will forever be remembered in fashion history. She has also proven herself to be a phenomenal actress. Lady Gaga is also been a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and is a strong advocate for sexual assault awareness, opening up about her experience as a survivor. Lady Gaga continues to be a representation of strength and individuality for women across the globe. 

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Dua Lipa 

Dua Lipa is one of the most popular pop artists today, and she has used her fame to encourage the rise and growth of female empowerment. She is also not afraid of speaking out against how women are treated differently, in the music industry and life, than men are. In addition, Dua has released “Boys Will be Boys” which highlights the struggles of avoiding sexual harassment women face at a young age. Dua Lipa has also made a point of filming her music videos with a diverse group of women as a sign of unity and empowerment. 

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Aretha Franklin 

Aretha Franklin is a significant figure to women and the black community. One of her most famous songs “Respect” became the anthem for feminists everywhere. She was able to communicate her own experiences through her music with her listeners, and women were able to resonate with her. Aretha encouraged women to stand up for themselves and demand respect from the people around them. 

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Cher 

Cher is a global icon, and she has shown the world how much an ambitious and preserving woman can achieve. Cher has always owned who she is, never letting anyone’s doubts or criticisms affect her decisions about her life and career. She has also been unafraid to voice her support for women’s rights, encouraging women to stand up for what they believe in and never settling for anything less.

Lizzo

Lizzo is unabashedly one of the most positive and uplifting artists in the industry. With songs like “Truth Hurts,” “Good as Hell” and “Rumors” Lizzo promotes whole-hearted self-love, body positivity, and women empowerment. Lizzo empowers women everywhere to love themselves and be confident in who they are, no matter what other people think. 

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Cardi B 

Cardi B is unafraid to be herself and stay true to who she is. While many have criticized her, either for her music or her performances or both, Cardi has shown the power a woman’s confidence has. She represents that it is okay for women to embrace their sexuality, the same way men do, and it doesn’t make them any less respectable. Cardi B has also been open about all the struggle and hard work it took for her to reach the success she has now, and is an example to women of where determination and ambition can lead. 

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These are only a few of the many amazing female artists out there! No matter what kind of music you prefer, there are always new and old artists you can explore. If you want to learn about more female artists or about the music industry itself, finding people to talk to with the same interests can help. The TWN Music Industry Interest Group is a great place to meet other women who are also interested in learning more about the music industry!