ON 8 MARCH, SEC and OVO Energy will bring together industry figures including performers, presenters and promoters for a panel discussion unpacking gender equity in Scotland’s entertainment industry, before renowned feminist Lizzo takes the OVO Hydro stage for the venue’s biggest ever celebration of International Women’s Day. “Women in Entertainment”, presented by SEC and OVO Energy, will be hosted by STV’s Laura Boyd, and the panel, which includes comedian Karen Dunbar, TV personality and podcaster Roisin Kelly and rising star DJ TAAHLIAH, will discuss their personal experiences pursuing careers in entertainment for a clear picture of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
As Scotland’s home of live entertainment, Scottish Event Campus provides the perfect host for such a discussion, which will invite the public to hear the stories of Scotland’s inspiring women in entertainment. OVO Hydro bucks the trends in the industry with women occupying some of its most senior positions, with Head of Live Entertainment Ticketing Julie Carson also joining the panel, alongside close venue partners DF Concerts & Events, represented by event manager Katt Lingard. Taking place in the SEC Centre, tickets can be purchased here, with all funds raised being put towards local charity Glasgow Women’s Aid.
Karen Dunbar is best known for her work as a comedian, actor and writer, first appearing on the BBC Scotland sketch series Chewin’ the Fat. Later, she had her own show titled The Karen Dunbar Show with the BBC. She said: “I’m over the moon to be speaking on the panel at SEC’s International Women’s Day Event. As we globally grow in awareness, it’s important to speak up to what’s not working for us (& what is) as a society”.
Roisin Kelly had an untraditional route into the entertainment world through her popularity on social media app TikTok. Now a regular fixture on our television screens, and having co-hosted a lifestyle podcast produced by the BBC, she said: “I can’t lie, it’s a pretty wild transition to go from making videos about Crocs in my bedroom to sitting on a panel surrounded by such incredible women – but a transition I’m very proud of nonetheless! I can’t wait to hear everyone’s experiences and opinions and to ultimately be part of something focussing on a safe, equal future.”
TAAHLIAH is fast becoming Glasgow’s most talked about artist, DJ and producer, with music that conveys power, acceptance and fun, as well as bringing visibility to the LGBTQ+ community.
Laura Boyd, STV Entertainment Presenter, said: “It’s an honour and pleasure to be hosting Women in Entertainment at the SEC on International Women’s Day. Fresh from the BRITs and with festival line-ups rightfully under the spotlight, it feels like this is a topic we need to be highlighting and discussing more than ever, and what better day to do it. I can’t wait to hear from our panel of experts and what our guests have to say, with women uniting to ensure our voices are heard at this event and beyond. And who better to be performing at the Hydro that night, after the discussion, than someone at the forefront of speaking out for equality – queen Lizzo! My hair will be done, I’ll have checked my nails and I’m ready to feel good”.
Julie Carson, Head of Ticketing – Live Entertainment at SEC, said: “I am delighted to be sitting on the panel for International Women’s Day at the place I’ve called home for almost 30 years. Having served such a tenure in the industry, I look forward to sharing my experiences and stories of being a woman in entertainment, and welcoming colleagues from a variety of roles across the sector to make a meaningful impact that supports increased equity in our industry.”
Katt Lingard, Event Manager at DF Concerts & Events, said: “I’m delighted to join a fantastic line-up of guests for the SEC’s International Women’s Day panel discussion on gender equity. What a brilliant opportunity for sharing insights, ideas and perspectives from across the industry.”
Louise Bailey at OVO Energy said: “OVO Energy are proud to support this International Women’s Day panel. We work hard to embed gender equality and empower all women at OVO, because we know gender diversity and inclusive cultures are key to a happier, more engaged and more productive workplace.”
