In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Women’s Health Month, one area of women in music we do not talk enough about is the world of the caregiver. The balance women have with caring for their children, on top of working, and for some aging adults.
Recently, Women in Music Canada released the report, The Sound of Support: Exploring the Music Communities’ Caregiver Needs, drawing the curtain back on the landscape and the challenges women in music face. The report surveyed 205 music industry professionals across Canada, with 88% identifying as women. 71% are looking after children, 39% aging adults, and 27% are caring for both.
A quote from one of the respondents stuck out. Sixty-six percent shared that they spend more than 20 hours a week on caregiving. However, it’s not so much the time management but the emotional and mental toll it can take on the individual. The report calls it “caregiver guilt.” It’s the relentless emotional weight of feeling you are failing either your family or your career, no matter what you choose, causing burnout to happen much quicker.
Over 50% of respondents said caregiving significantly affects their ability to work. More than half said it limits their ability to pursue career advancement. And nearly half (46%) have considered leaving the industry entirely because of it. Eleven percent already have.
So what can we do about it? Well, a large majority of respondents reported being unaware of any organizations or programs that support caregivers in the music industry. Not because those resources don’t exist, but because no one has been talking about them loudly enough, or there’s a fear of disclosing the information to employers.
Some of the solutions women in music are asking for are flexible work schedules/remote work options, caregiver policies, access to mental health support, and more.
Here in the United States, there are several resources that women can tap into.
- Mama’s in Music: provides essential resources that empower Mothers to advance their musical careers by creating a shared network, generating opportunities, and offering financial and emotional support initiatives. Check the panel hosted at The NAMM Show by our own Laura Whitmore.
- Women Who Rock: dedicated to supporting women in music, empowerment, and advocating for women’s health.
- Music Industry Therapist Collective: a collective of specialist music industry therapists with an abundance of experience working within the music business in various roles across all sectors.
- Backline: Connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources, and helps match people with therapists who understand the music industry specifically.
- Music’s Mental Health Fund (Sweet Relief Foundation + Backline): A collaborative fund that pairs financial grants with personalized mental healthcare case management to ensure eligible music professionals can access support despite financial barriers.
- Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL) — A national community, resource hub, and solutions generator for individuals with caregiver responsibilities in the performing arts and media. Offers childcare grants, best practices resources, and a growing national network
If you’re in Canada, check out a few of the resources called out in the report.
- Unison Fund — Free mental health counseling through TELUS Health (by phone, in person, or virtual), plus emergency financial support for music workers with 5+ years in the Canadian music industry.
- CIMA’s Make It Better — Confidential, personalized counseling through Inkblot, available to CIMA members.
- Balancing Act Canada / Level UP! — Canada’s leading arts-focused caregiver support organization, offering financial support, consultation, and policy tools for both individuals and organizations.
The Women’s International Music Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Support our programs by donating here.
