With over 20 years in the AV industry, I have had the privilege of witnessing notable advancements in gender representation. While the glass ceiling remains a reality, it is gradually eroding as traditional gender roles and biases are questioned and redefined.
I have seen the AV industry become more inclusive, with an increasing number of women entering both business and technical roles. The industry’s diverse applications and openness to all genders, age groups, religions, and levels of knowledge make it an attractive field for those seeking a varied and fulfilling career. The growing presence of women at industry events, such as ISE, is a testament to this positive trend. From a female proportion of 14.2 percent in 2022, representation has increased to 16.6 percent recently, indicating that the industry is on the right track.
CRUCIAL ROLE
Networking and support groups play a crucial role in this progress. Associations such as the AVIXA Women’s Council, Women in Live Music (WILM), Women in Lighting, and Women in AV provide the necessary visibility, support, and empowerment for women in the industry. These groups organise regional events that promote solidarity and understanding, and they welcome the participation of everyone, fostering an inclusive environment that benefits all.
The AVIXA Women’s Councils across EMEA, particularly in Germany, Italy, and the UK, have been instrumental in supporting women in the industry. These councils organise events that provide networking opportunities, professional development, and mentorship. For example, the AVIXA Women’s Council DACH, co-chaired by Kamilla Wysocki and Michaela Hirsch, works tirelessly to organise regional events that bring women together and promote their growth in the industry. There will be several events happening during the week of ISE 2025 (4-7 Feb 2025, Fira de Barcelona) hosted by the various AVIXA Councils – in particular a meet-up at 3pm on Wednesday 5 February on the AVIXA Xchange Lounge. Everyone is welcome, and it is a great opportunity to meet new peers and make valuable connections.
Women in Live Music (WILM) is another significant organisation that supports women in AV. WILM focuses on providing a platform for women working in live music production, offering networking opportunities, workshops, job offers and resources to help them succeed in their careers. By fostering a supportive community, WILM helps women navigate the challenges of the industry and achieve their full potential.
Women in Lighting is dedicated to promoting the work and achievements of women in the lighting design profession. This organisation highlights the contributions of women in the field, providing role models and inspiration for the next generation of female lighting designers. By celebrating the successes of women in lighting, the organisation helps to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in this area.
I am pleased to see more diversity happening in our industry. Speaking as part of the team at ISE – which, by the way, has a higher proportion of women than men and whose operations team, for example, consists largely of women – we work hard to create a welcoming environment, with an inspiring roster of summits, workshops, conferences, and show floor features providing many opportunities for conversations to push the boundaries. We work closely with AVIXA and CEDIA to curate content that provides opportunities for more and more women to have a voice and be represented, showcasing how far we have come. There is much more to do, but we believe that ISE reflects the growing importance of inclusivity and innovation.
Despite the progress achieved, there is still more to be done to build a genuinely inclusive work environment in general. For example, offering flexible work models and accessible childcare options is essential to empower women in her professional careers, enabling them to balance their work life with family responsibilities. Every industry must continue to recognise the invaluable contributions of women and working moms, ensuring they have the opportunities and support necessary to succeed.
In conclusion, the AV industry is making meaningful strides towards greater gender inclusivity. By persistently challenging traditional gender roles and biases, and by offering the necessary support and empowerment, the industry can foster a more inclusive and diverse environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and the contributions of networking and support groups play a crucial role in this progress.
Joining a women’s group in the AV industry can be incredibly beneficial. here are 5 reasons why…
Networking opportunities: Women’s groups in the AV industry, such as the AVIXA Women’s Council, Women in Live Music (WILM), and Women in Lighting, provide excellent networking opportunities. They organise local events, workshops, and conferences where you can meet and connect with other industry pros. This can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and career opportunities.
Professional development: These women’s groups often offer resources and programmes aimed at professional development. This includes mentorship programmes, training sessions, and workshops that can help you enhance your skills, gain new knowledge, and advance in your career.
Support & empowerment: Being part of a women’s group offers a supportive community where you can share experiences, challenges, and successes. This network not only empowers you to navigate the industry with confidence and resilience, but also gives you the opportunity to uplift and mentor young professionals entering the AV industry, helping them find their own paths to success.
Visibility & representation: Groups work to increase the visibility and representation of women in the AV industry. By participating – as a woman or a man – you can contribute to and benefit from initiatives that promote gender diversity and inclusion, helping to break biases and create a more inclusive industry
Advocacy & influence: These groups often engage in advocacy efforts to promote gender equality and address issues affecting women in the industry. By joining a women’s group, you can be part of a collective voice that influences industry policies and practices, driving positive change for women in the AV industry.
Click here for Installation’s in-depth look at gender diversity in the AV industry.
