Huntly musician Iona Fyfe receives STUC award from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for outing rogue employers in her industry from
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HUNTLY'S multi award winning traditional singer has been recognised in her campaign for equality within the music industry by scooping a top trade union prize.
Iona Fyfe received the Equality Award at the STUC Annual Congress last week in Aberdeen from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The commendation praised Iona’s tireless advocacy for fairness within the industry, highlighting her personal experience of exploitation as a survivor of sexual harassment.
Iona spoke bravely about her experiences, and as a member of the Musicians Union works hard to encourage women and men in the music industry to also stand up and call out discriminatory behaviours which are prevalent within the sector.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Iona was one of Scotland’s leading activists in seeking further government funding for artists.
Speaking after receiving the award, Iona said: “It’s a great privilege to have received the STUC Equality Award with all praise and gratitude going to my colleagues within the Musicians’ Union.
“The pandemic has highlighted the continued exploitation that occurs within the industry, disproportionally impacting female artists. No one should experience or fear sexual harassment, abuse, bullying or discrimination at work.
“That’s precisely why I’m a proud member of the Musicians’ Union. We’re seeking to root out discrimination and abuse in all its forms within the sector, leaving no stone unturned in our collective fight for fairness and equality throughout the Scottish music scene."
In 2021, Iona became the first singer to win the coveted title of Musician of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: "Iona thoroughly deserves her recognition as the recipient of the Equality Award for 2022.
"Iona has fearlessly held to account rogue employers who sought to exploit and abuse people within the music industry.
"Her bravery in speaking out, especially on her own experiences, empowers people throughout our movement to seek positive change in their workplaces, free from harassment and coercion."
n During a visit to the north east last week in support of SNP candidates in the forthcoming Aberdeenshire Council elections, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon had a one-on-one chat with Ward 14 candidate and Aberdeenshire’s SNP Group Leader Gwyneth Petrie.
