BIMM Institute Dublin students launch ‘Women of BIMM’

First-year students at BIMM Institute Dublin have created Women of BIMM: a project that aims to bring unity and support to BIMM’s female and non-binary communities. After becoming fed up with how the music industry mistreats and misrepresents women, the team started the project to spread love and support whilst showing the world that there is no music industry without women. 

The group has covered Dua Lipa’s ‘Boys Will Be Boys’. The song tackles relevant themes and topics, including the fear that most women face every day. In an interview with NME, Dua Lipa opens up about the song: 

“You cover up yourself to avoid confrontation from men, avoid sexual harassment, people throwing words, or catcalling. We change our ways to fit somebody else’s lifestyle. It’s really sad. We are having to avoid confrontation from men and avoid sexual harassment.”

Catching up with Women of BIMM

We spoke to Marchje Jansen from Women of BIMM to find out more about the project and what they hope the future holds:

What inspired you to get involved?

The day after the Sarah Everard vigil in London, I felt this rage and sadness. How does this incredibly sad story resonate with so many women but is still an issue? It was important to share these feelings with my friends, and so I posted a video about it on my Instagram. A lot of women felt the same, and the comments were overwhelmingly positive and supportive. 

Soon after, fellow student Hannah Walsh sent me a message to see if I wanted to create a project that emphasises a supportive community. Although this was challenging with the online classes, we recruited our incredible production team, and within a few hours, we had everything set up. We were inundated with support and replies from the women of our community.

How many of you are involved?

Our primary production team comprises seven BA1 students (Hannah Walsh, Arianna Ryan, Kelley Brassington, Catherine Pierse, Rachel Grace, Luiz Oliveira, and myself, Marchje Jansen). Four BA1 students created the track (Rachel Grace, Zahira Ellis, Sarah Crean, and Aisling Stephens McGowan), two BA1 students made the arrangement, and the choir comprises 35 BA1 students!

Where do you see the project heading?

The project is becoming a BIMM society that will be a safe space for women and non-binary people at BIMM Dublin. The aims of the society are:

• To create a safe space and supportive community for women and non-binary people
• To organise workshops, including self-defence workshops, and talks with industry professionals
• To organise Women of BIMM events that showcase women and non-binary people
• To educate students on the issues women and non-binary people face
• To raise money and supplies for charities, in line with the Women of BIMM society 
• To actively encourage everyone of any gender to join our society

 What other songs are you planning to cover?

We don’t have any specific songs in mind, but there are talks of writing an original song! We are also welcoming suggestions, and we will continue covering songs by strong, empowered women in the industry.

 Do you think there are any interesting ways to make venues and event spaces safer?

We believe that venues and event spaces can become safer through protocols and ongoing conversations with everyone. This is not just about or for women; we need all the support we can get. 

Amazing work from these inspirational women. You can find out more about student associations here.