By SARAH PRICE

Music Victoria recently released results from their survey addressing issues women face in the Victorian contemporary music Industry.

The survey, which was open to female musicians in May this year, was created to gather information about women working in music around Victoria and to “better support young women”.

More than 300 women participated in the survey. Key feedback from the report found issues such as discrimination against mothers, pay inequality, a confidence gap between men and women and sexual harassment at live music venues.

Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan said in a media release that diversity “within the music industry benefits everyone”.

"There's … too many barriers for women to enter and thrive in the music industry," he said.

“We look forward to getting together with some of the best minds to develop some tangible solutions to reduce hurdles and increase opportunities."

According to Creative Victoria, the survey is the first to compile thoughts from young women about their experiences in Australia in order to address concerns about the current industry and avenues for support.

Country singer and composer Darcy Fox said the survey "is crucial to better support women in the music industry".

When talking about her experience as a young woman in the music industry, Ms Fox said she felt it was "easier for men in the music industry".

"From my perspective in the industry, it's almost like women have to be better than men at what they do to get the same amount of respect."

The 22-year-old guitarist won the 2014 FReeZa Push Start Battle of the Bands in Moomba, defeating more than 300 acts.

But she said she has had experiences of people coming up to her and saying “she's good at guitar for a girl”.

"I don't think men would get the same sort of comments in reference to their gender," she said.

This “just a girl” mentality is one of the issues that arose in the survey and was found to limit a woman’s access to opportunities.

Knowing about the struggles that aspiring musicians can go through from personal experience, Ms Fox said “perseverance is the key” to success in the tough business.

She supports Music Victoria and the survey in their goal to address the concerns of female voices in the industry.

"There are so many talented female musicians in Victoria and Australia that need to be heard," she said.

Music Victoria, an independent not-for-profit organisation, is establishing a Women’s Music Industry Advisory Panel.

It will address barriers and opportunities for women in the Victorian contemporary music industry as a result of the issues found in the survey.

Performing ArtsHub Victoria also said that Music Victoria was hoping to use the results to further develop female music careers around the state.