Female DJs in Northern Ireland have shared experiences of facing "blatant misogyny," harassment, and intimidation while performing, with some reporting they are often treated more like guests than professionals. Anna McAteer, Andrea Shearer, and Julie Dunne have spoken about incidents ranging from unwanted interference with their equipment to inappropriate comments and even physical intimidation. They argue that these issues stem from broader societal attitudes toward women in the nightlife industry, rather than being solely the fault of venues or promoters. Shearer, a seasoned DJ, said she has never seen male colleagues face similar levels of scrutiny or unwanted attention. She recounted an instance of online abuse earlier this year when a man from Belfast posted on Facebook, criticizing her DJing and implying she only got gigs because she was a woman. She also highlighted how social media often shifts focus from the music itself to comments about female DJs' appearance, which she believes detracts from their professional work. McAteer, a rising Belfast DJ, described repeated incidents of people entering her DJ booth or interfering with her equipment. During one recent performance, a man rewound one of her decks, the fourth such incident in about a year. On another occasion, a man had to be removed from the booth multiple times before returning and rummaging through her USB drive containing her music. McAteer described these experiences as "very uncomfortable" and "not on," emphasizing that such behavior can create serious safety concerns. Julie Dunne shared a particularly distressing incident during a Christmas gig that led her to stop DJing in bars. A man approached her to request a song she did not have, and when she politely declined, he became aggressive, screaming at her and calling her "pathetic." The situation escalated to the point where Dunne was left in tears. She believes the issue affects not only DJs but also other women working in the nightlife industry, such as photographers, lighting technicians, and bar workers. While venues and staff have generally been supportive, McAteer believes the root of the problem lies in societal attitudes toward female DJs. She emphasizes that DJs are professionals, and entering a booth without permission can be intimidating and potentially dangerous. Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, stated that the industry has a "zero-tolerance approach" to misogynistic and intimidating behavior. He highlighted initiatives like "Ask for Angela," which allows people to discreetly seek help from trained staff if they feel unsafe. Neill also mentioned collaboration with the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls team at Stormont to ensure safe environments for all.