The Recording Academy has launched a new initiative that aims to expand the opportunities that women have in the music industry. The new program is called the Producer and Engineering Inclusion Initiative, and a long list of artists have signed on to support the cause. The Recording Academy's website writes that the initiative, "asks that at least two women are identified and therefore considered as part of the selection process every time a music producer or engineer is hired. It also asks working producers to agree to take issues of gender diversity within music’s technical fields into account when deciding who to mentor and hire for further development." This is a big win for women, who are not aptly represented behind the scenes.
The site also claims that 2 percent of music producers, and 3 percent of engineers/mixers, across popular music are women. The long list of artists that have signed on to support the initiative include Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Mary J. Blige, 2 Chainz, Jhene Aiko, Aminé, Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper, Missy Elliott, Ariana Grande, Fat Joe, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Lady GaGa, Post Malone, Jennifer Lopez, Meek Mill, Janelle Monae, The Weeknd, Usher, Yo Gotti, YG, Pharrell, and many more.