Today March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a significant day where we celebrate all women. Although International Women’s Day is once a year, every woman should be recognized for her accomplishments, how she empowers and supports other women on a daily basis. We are highlighting women in music who have broken barriers, changed perceptions and fought for equality in a male-dominated industry. This year’s International Women’s Day Playlist features female artists of all ages from different genres and decades. Rock-n-roll queen Joan Jett has been an aspiring role model for younger female singers for generations. Jett is a talented songwriter and musician, who’s proven that she can rock harder like any other man especially with her skills as a guitar player. Alison Wonderland is a high-end female DJ who has been headlining festivals, originally schooled in classic cello and successfully merged her love of electronic music with her music training. No Doubt leading lady Gwen Stefani was originally just a backup vocalist for her brother’s (Eric Stefani) band while original singer John Spence fronted the band until his suicide in 1987. Gwen courageously stepped in as the main vocalist and from there No Doubt entered a new phase, where not only did the Grammy award winner assume vocal responsibilities but the main songwriting, where she flourished. Hayley Willams of Paramore has dealt with original band members leaving the band, but she has persevered in making her band feel whole and is currently getting huge support as a solo artist. The current generation of female solo acts have gotten critical praise and recognition that’s included the likes of Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Banks, Clairo and the recent emergence of mxmtoon, beabadoobee and Ashe. The Aces and The Regrettes have shown that “girl bands” still hold prominence, where both artists write their own music and play their own instruments, something that is still sorely represented in the mainstream. It’s refreshing to have a band like The Regrettes, whose chief songwriter and lead singer, Lydia Night, take on politics (“Poor Boy”), serious subjects of sexism(“Hey Now”) or downright pride in being a girl(“A Living Human Girl”). Women like Tegan and Sara, Hayley Kiyoko, King Princess and MUNA have not only created amazing music, but they’ve helped advance the credibility of LGBTQ+ artistry into the mainstream. Together, these female artists are creating a difference and making an impact for the future in womanhood not only in the music industry, but in society through their music.