The techno files have highlighted an important issue: female safety at events. Even in the harder styles, it’s important to pay attention to female safety. Our own research has shown that only 4.79% of the average harder styles lineup is female. Mish sees unacceptable behavior occurring frequently and speaks out in favor of women’s safety at festivals.

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Last week, a bombshell exploded in the techno world: several major (hard) techno DJs were accused of inappropriate behavior. Festivals reacted quickly and removed the artists from their lineups. The incidents received widespread attention on social media. Statements were made from many different quarters about how to address the problem, but one thing was clear: this kind of behavior is unacceptable. Not outside the dance floor, not on it.

Women’s safety on the dance floor

Events in the techno world are also sparking debate in the harder styles scene. Women’s safety on the dance floor is one of the most discussed topics online. Mish also recognizes that women’s safety is a sensitive topic: “There’s always a man that tries to grope you. But you should be able to go out in a bikini without a man commenting on it.”

Not only does groping occur, women are also regularly harassed by men who constantly try to make advances. “Then a stranger suddenly dances very close to a woman. Or they won’t leave you alone. You feel uncomfortable and try to make them go away, but often they don’t stop.” Mish says this makes many women feel unsafe. “They come to just have fun with friends, but at the same time, there’s a man who keeps trying. That makes you feel uncomfortable and unsafe.” Mish isn’t the only woman to experience this; similar stories have been circulating on social media for some time.

“It’s not the behavior of women”

“Women’s behavior isn’t the root of the problem,” Mish argues. “Men these days simply don’t know how to talk to women anymore. They haven’t learned it properly.” Men also don’t seem to understand social cues in such situations. According to Mish, there are also a growing number of men who are paying attention to their own behavior and that of other men. “I think it’s really great when men talk to each other. It’s good that you pay attention to the safety of women as well.”

Far fewer women on stage as well

Women also need to be better represented on stage. That’s not happening enough right now, and that’s having a negative impact. “I really don’t know why there are so few hardstyle women. But it’s important that they see it’s possible for them too,” Mish shares. At the average harder styles festival, the percentage of women on the lineup is 4.79%. Hardcore lineups are filled by 8% women on average, while at hardstyle festivals, it’s only 1.5%. By comparison, 27% of the artists on the Awakenings lineup are female.

The fact that women have a small representation on stage has two (clear) consequences. For example, topics related to women’s safety are less likely to be discussed in the public eye because there are fewer artists dedicated to this cause. It also impacts the backstage culture. Without a large number of female artists, a male-dominated culture can take over, possibly contributing to an environment where inappropriate behavior is more easily normalized.

Safety doesn’t start with what women wear, but with how men behave. Hear more about this topic in the new episode of PLAFONDDIENST with Mish.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Tsfqh5P9Ac2KpuVsC4WwP?si=ef12a6827fd3486e