Why Not Her? Research and Advocacy Work Recognised with 2026 National Diversity Awards Nominations
Why Not Her?, the research and advocacy organisation examining representation across the music and media industries, has received recognition at the 2026 National Diversity Awards, with nominations for the organisation itself alongside its founder, Linda Coogan Byrne, and Belfast native research collaborator, Winnie Ama. The nominations acknowledge several years of work bringing data, research and advocacy into conversations about equality, visibility and structural change within the cultural sector.
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The team behind Why Not Her? has announced that the organisation, its founder Linda Coogan Byrne and Belfast artist and research collaborator Winnie Ama have all received nominations at the 2026 National Diversity Awards, marking three nominations connected to the organisation’s work.
The nominations recognise several years of research and advocacy examining inequality within the music and media industries and advocating for greater transparency and opportunity for artists and professionals.
Why Not Her? was founded by Linda Coogan Byrne to bring data and evidence into conversations around representation in music. At the time the work began, little independent analysis existed examining gender disparities across areas such as radio airplay, festival programming, media coverage and leadership within the industry.
Linda Coogan Byrne, Founder of Why Not Her?, said:
“Why Not Her? started because the numbers simply were not being examined publicly. When we began analysing radio airplay data it became clear that the imbalance was not anecdotal, it was structural. The intention was never to complain about the system but to measure it, publish it and ask the industry to look honestly at what the data was showing.”
She added:
“Radio and media still shape the cultural landscape. If artists are not being heard, they cannot build careers at the same pace as their peers. Visibility matters because it influences opportunity, audience discovery and ultimately who succeeds within the industry.”
Through independent research and reporting, Why Not Her? has examined patterns of representation and visibility within the cultural sector, contributing to wider discussions about how structural inequality operates across music and media.
The work has been supported by a collaborative team over the years, including research collaborator Winnie Ama, Gary Lynch and Dr Michael Lydon, alongside a wider network of artists, researchers and industry professionals who have contributed to the organisation’s research and advocacy work.
Ama’s nomination recognises the role she has played in supporting the research while also maintaining her own career as an artist. Speaking publicly about structural inequality within the industry while working within it can carry professional risk, yet she has continued to contribute to the work and the broader conversation around equity in music.
The nominations also acknowledge the wider community that has supported the Why Not Her? research and advocacy work since it began. Many contributors have participated publicly while others have supported the work quietly behind the scenes.
Winnie Ama, Belfast native artist and Why Not Her? research collaborator, said:
“As an artist from Belfast, I’ve seen how important visibility and opportunity are for musicians trying to build careers. Being part of the research behind Why Not Her? helped shine a light on conversations the industry had not always wanted to have.”
She added:
“Advocating for change while working within the same industry can feel daunting at times, but it is important that artists speak up about the structures that shape who gets heard and who gets opportunities.”
The National Diversity Awards recognise individuals and organisations across the UK who are working to promote equality, diversity and inclusion within society.
For more info on Why Not Her? see here: https://whynother.eu/data-reports