A major research
project is underway to examine the experiences of women working in events,
after a survey revealed that one in four women had experienced sexual assault
linked to their work.
The follow-up
survey from the Network of Women in Events (NOWIE) will expand last year’s research
into the challenges women face in the sector, to include more areas such as reporting
procedures, safeguarding standards and career progression.
As well as
revealing concerning levels of harm within the sector, the inaugural survey, which
was conducted last year, exposed widespread issues around under-reporting, with
respondents describing significant barriers to speaking up, including freelance
and precarious employment conditions, fears of losing future work, and concerns
about professional repercussions.
Many participants
also pointed to a lack of accountability mechanisms and inconsistent reporting
pathways, contributing to a broader culture where incidents often go unreported
or are not formally addressed.
NOWIE says the
aim of the second survey - also open to women working in the live
entertainment, music and festival industries - is not only to document the
scale of the issue, but to drive tangible reform across the sector.
Cat Kevern, managing
director of NOWIE, said: “This research is about turning lived experiences into
action.
“The events industry
is an incredible space to work in, but the findings from our previous survey
made it clear that too many women are still navigating unsafe environments,
inconsistent reporting structures and a lack of accountability. We believe
meaningful change starts with robust data, honest conversations and
industry-wide responsibility.”
NOWIE, which
became a Community Interest Company last year, is aligning the project with
wider national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)recommendations
and is engaging with politicians and policymakers.
It aims to take
findings and recommendations to Parliament later this year.
Survey supporter Jo
Platt MP said: “This research shines a vital light on the lived experiences of
women working across the events industry, an essential but often
under-recognised part of the UK economy. The findings underline the urgent need
for stronger safeguarding, clearer reporting routes, and a culture where people
feel safe to speak up without fear of damaging their careers.”
The survey will
run from today (17 June) to 1 August 2026. Findings and recommendations will be published on 25 September 2026.
Find the survey here
