Brussels, 30th May 2023,

For the second edition of its Changemaker award, IMPALA honours the UK not-for-profit organisation Women in CTRL, for their work developing and supporting music creators and music professionals from under-represented groups. Women in CTRL was founded by Nadia Khan and has been very active on its mission to advance gender equality in the music industry.

The not-for-profit organisation was set up to empower and inspire women in the entertainment, creative and business sectors of the music industry and encourages women and non-binary persons to find their strengths, develop their own personal brand and build the tools and confidence to become leaders. The organisation has been delivering high-level and impactful creative growth programmes, community workshops, mentoring, training, organising events and more.

On top of the community and network they built, they provide inclusive safe spaces for talent of all ages and backgrounds to grow. Women in CTRL also publishes research and reports, such as the “Seat at the table report” looking at the representation of women with an intersectional focus on black women in the boardroom of UK music trade bodies as well as CEO & chair roles, followed up by the 2021 edition. They also released “Women in radio report” looking into the experiences of women in the radio industry, to identify barriers women face from entry level to senior roles.

Women in CTRL has partnered up with AIM and Amazon Music to launch new apprenticeship scheme, “Amplify”, which aims to improve access to music industry careers for women and non-binary people, Amplify allows businesses to attract high quality talent and diversify their workforce.

Nadia Khan, founder of Women in CTRL, commented: “It’s an honour for Women in CTRL to be chosen as the 2nd recipient of the Changemaker award. This recognition affirms our work, inspires us to continue and highlights the independent community’s collective determination and passion in driving positive change within the music industry. Women in CTRL firmly believe in the transformative power of sharing best practices and learning from the exceptional organizations that IMPALA champions.

Together, we can create a ripple effect that resonates throughout the industry. Collaboration is the key to achieving meaningful and lasting change, by joining forces, we can break down barriers, challenge existing norms, and forge a path towards a more inclusive and diverse music industry that embraces and amplifies the voices of all.

I’d like to thank the EDI taskforce for voting for us and express our commitment to continuing our work in this area and making a positive difference in the music industry. This award represents a celebration of the extraordinary impact that changemaking initiatives can have and is a beacon of inspiration, not only for Women in CTRL but for the entire independent sector.”

Eva Karman Reinhold, SOM’s CEO, IMPALA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion task force’s chair added: “I’m glad IMPALA members and task force chose to honour Women in CTRL this year with this award. Their work to bring a more inclusive music sector is central. Make sure to check out all resources and info they can provide.” 

Keith Harris OBE, adviser of IMPALA’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion task force continued: “It is a pleasure to see how equality and diversity has become a normal part of employers’ considerations right across the industry and Women in CTRL really deserve this award.”

Helen Smith, IMPALA’s Executive Chair commented: “Women in CTRL is an inspiration to all in the sector who seek to bring change. It’s an honour to be able to showcase their work through our Changemaker Award. Other great projects are also featured on our Changemakers page.”

This award runs yearly during European Diversity Month with IMPALA members nominating projects, and IMPALA’s equity, diversity and inclusion task force voting the winner. Make sure to check our dedicated webpage highlighting other initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the music sector to get inspired (see here).

More about Women in CTRL

Women in CTRL is a non-profit music development organisation on a mission to advance gender equality in the music industry. Their work is focused on developing and supporting music creators and music professionals from under-represented groups. Women in CTRL are centred on helping to create clear pathways for talent to enter, develop and broaden skills to progress their journey in the music sector. They have a track record of delivering high-level and impactful creative growth programmes, community workshops, mentoring, training, organising events and more. Women in CTRL also provide inclusive safe spaces for talent of all ages and backgrounds to grow and nourish.

More info about Women in CTRL here.

More about IMPALA’s Changemaker Award
This award puts the spotlight on projects which champion work on equity, diversity and inclusion. It’s part of IMPALA’s charter commitments and is selected yearly by IMPALA’s task force. Launched in May 2022, the award highlights projects that have an impact on the independent music sector in terms of making change happen and inspiring others to take action. It takes place yearly during European Diversity Month. Check our changemakers webpage on winners and other projects, to get inspired and take action. More info on the award here.

More about IMPALA
IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents nearly 6000 independent music companies. 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 independent sector – Friends of IMPALA. 

More here.