#KONTAKT24 PANEL REPORT: FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS

The panel on “Female Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry,” with a special focus on the “Rock Camp for Girls,” was an opportunity to highlight the significance of female leadership and entrepreneurship within the music industry. The discussion shed light on how initiatives like Rock Camp not only encourage inclusion and diversity but are also essential for the development and empowerment of future generations of women in music. It explored how these projects help combat stereotypes and open new opportunities for women in all aspects of the music industry.

Speakers shared their personal perspectives and experiences, emphasizing the key factors contributing to women’s success in this field:

Iva Lorens emphasized the importance of mentorship and positive education. Sharing her story on how mentorship and support helped her develop and advance, Lorens pointed out how vital it is to have people who believe in you and your capabilities. Her story illustrates how positive affirmation and mentorship can be crucial for building confidence and setting a career direction.

Jelena Božić and Katarina Mitić Minić focused on the significance of informal education and communal support. They discussed how programs like Rock Camp for Girls can have a far-reaching impact on confidence, encouragement, and providing opportunities for the development of knowledge and skills, which is vital for women aiming to carve their path in the music industry.

Svetlana Ceca Đolović highlighted the key role of passion and dedication in a music career. She believes it’s important to continually motivate the youth, especially girls, to develop and maintain a passion for music, which can be crucial for their long-term success. Đolović argues that being open to new ideas and providing opportunities for young musicians can significantly affect their professional development and opening new pathways in the music industry.

A key moment in the discussion was when Katarina Mitić Minić emphasized the importance of decentralizing music initiatives like “Rock Camp for Girls.” Mitić Minić explained how centralizing such projects in larger cities like Belgrade limits access and opportunities for girls and women in smaller communities. She stressed the critical need to spread these projects across different parts of the country, allowing broader access to musical education and opportunities for girls regardless of their geographical location. Decentralization is not just about providing opportunities; it’s about building communities that support the development of musical talents across the country, promoting inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of the music industry. Developing projects in different cities and municipalities not only provides learning and development opportunities for young musicians but also contributes to the cultural richness and diversity, allowing the exchange of experiences and knowledge between different music scenes.

Through this session, it is clear that continuous work on promoting female leadership and entrepreneurship in the music industry is a crucial step towards achieving equal opportunities for all. Sharing experiences and strategies, as well as strengthening the community through projects like “Rock Camp for Girls,” are key to creating new pathways for future generations of women in music, enabling them to overcome existing stereotypes and open new opportunities for everyone in the industry.