Gender@Work 2026: Music Industry Training for Women
Gender@Work 2026 Opens Applications for Women in Live Music Production
Women across Africa who are building careers in live music production have an opportunity to develop their technical skills through the 2026 Gender@Work training program in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Organized by the Music In Africa Foundation, the program will run from October 26 to 31, 2026, combining classroom-based learning with practical experience at ACCES 2026, an African music industry conference taking place in Johannesburg.
Applications close on October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CAT.
The opportunity is designed for women interested in the technical and operational side of live music, including stage management, sound engineering, lighting and event production.
For aspiring professionals who want to work behind the scenes at concerts and festivals, the program offers a chance to develop practical skills and learn from experienced industry practitioners.
What Is Gender@Work?
Gender@Work is a technical event-production training program intended to strengthen women’s participation in the live music industry.
While performers often receive the most attention at concerts, every successful live event depends on a team of technical and operational professionals.
Stage managers coordinate performances and schedules. Sound engineers manage audio systems and mixing, while lighting technicians help translate an artistic vision into a live experience. Production teams also handle planning, equipment, budgets, logistics and communication between artists and organizers.
The program addresses these areas through a combination of theoretical training, practical exercises, mentorship and exposure to real industry environments.
Participants will also gain hands-on experience supporting activities at ACCES 2026, where they can observe and contribute to the work involved in delivering concerts, conference sessions and exhibitions.
What Will Participants Learn?
The training covers several important areas of technical event production.
Event planning and production: Participants will learn about planning, budgeting, partnerships and fundraising, all of which contribute to delivering live events.
Stage management: Training includes stage design and construction, performance scheduling, sound checks, technical rider analysis, backline coordination, artist liaison and crisis management.
Live sound engineering: Participants will be introduced to audio fundamentals, sound systems, mixing, equipment and safety.
Stage lighting: The program covers lighting design and control, equipment, lighting plots and rigging.
Gender and the live music industry: Participants will also explore gender-related and social challenges affecting work in the live music sector.
The combination of technical instruction and practical experience is particularly relevant to people who want to move from informal event experience into more specialized production roles.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to women based in Africa and the Indian Ocean region who meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
Be over 18 years old.
Have at least two years of relevant experience, preferably in a live-performance environment.
Have experience in a role such as stage manager, stage assistant, sound technician, lighting technician or a related position.
Be available for the full program in Johannesburg from October 26 to 31.
Be able to follow the training in English.
A relevant tertiary qualification is an advantage but is not compulsory.
The experience requirement is important. This is not advertised as a beginner program for someone with no related background. Women who have already assisted with stage production, worked on live events or developed relevant technical experience may be better positioned to apply.
Applicants should carefully review the official requirements before submitting their applications.
What Support Is Available?
Selected participants will receive several forms of support during the program.
These include meals, local transport related to the training, a stipend for working at ACCES, a certificate of completion and access to an online music-business course.
The program also offers networking and mentoring opportunities, with the possibility of further internships at partner events and music businesses.
However, these benefits do not mean coverage of every participant’s travel and accommodation costs.
The organizers state that, because there is a limit to funding, acceptance of applicants staying outside South Africa may only is on the basis of if they can cover their own travel and accommodation for the full program.
This is particularly important for Nigerian applicants. Before applying, candidates should work out whether they can afford the trip and accommodation, even if selected.
The published program information does not establish a guaranteed internship or job placement for every participant, so applicants should treat those potential opportunities accordingly.
Why Women in Technical Production Need More Opportunities
The live music industry depends on a broad range of skills, but access to technical training and professional networks can be a barrier for people trying to enter or advance in the sector.
For women interested in sound engineering, lighting, stage management and event production, practical experience can be especially valuable. These roles require technical knowledge, the ability to work under pressure and an understanding of how different teams coordinate during live events.
Training that combines instruction with exposure to professional productions can help participants understand industry standards and identify the skills they need to develop further.
The program also creates opportunities for participants to meet other professionals and build relationships that may support their careers.
For Africa’s music industry, expanding access to technical training can help develop the skilled workforce needed to deliver concerts, tours, festivals and other live events.
How to Apply Before October 10
Interested applicants must complete the official online application form before the deadline.
Applications close on October 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CAT. Applicants should ensure their submissions are complete and include all required supporting materials. The organizers have stated that email applications will not be considered.
The selection outcome is expected to be communicated by October 14, 2026.
The training takes place in Johannesburg from October 26 to 31, alongside ACCES 2026, which runs from October 28 to 31.
Working in music does not always mean being the person holding the microphone.
There are careers in sound, lighting, stage management, event planning and production that allow people to contribute to live performances in equally important ways.
For women who already have relevant experience and want to strengthen their technical skills, Gender@Work offers a structured opportunity to learn, practise and connect with industry professionals.
The deadline is close, so eligible candidates should review the application requirements promptly and make sure they can commit to the full training period before applying.
