DUBAI: Spotify is launching “Equal,” a global commitment dedicated to fostering equity for women in audio and celebrating their contributions. The program will highlight women artists around the world through partnerships, activations and new content experiences, and will offer support both on and off the platform.

In November last year, Spotify launched Sawtik, its inaugural women-in-music initiative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, to amplify the voices of emerging female artists. Under the new program Equal, Sawtik artists will have an opportunity to share the global stage.

Spotify is launching the Equal Hub, a dedicated space on the platform to highlight women creators. Spotify playlists such as Women of Arab Music, SAWTIK and Iconic Arab Women will represent Arab female artists in the Equal Hub.

It also launched a new music and talk show with several episodes on March 8 called “WOMN.” The episodes featured women creators and influencers such as music producer and DJ Tokimonsta, and actor and content creator Jenny Lorenzo discussing women-centered content and share their personal reflections on music that inspired them.

Additionally, Spotify is creating an invite-only Equal Board made up of 15 organizations. Spotify will offer each organization a one-time grant to work together on ways to make the audio industry more equitable for women creators.

“March may be Women’s History Month, but spotlighting the voices of women is something we are committed to doing year-round,” the company wrote in a blog post.

In April, Spotify is expanding the Equal program to 50 countries. It will also continue to build on programs such as Sound Up, which supports under-represented podcasters, and EQL, a paid residency program for female audio professionals.