Why create a conducting competition – with a complementary Academy – open only to women? A legitimate question, perhaps, given that the first signs of changing attitudes towards women conductors are becoming apparent in some parts of the world … But while more and more women conductors are enjoying successful careers, deeply entrenched sexist discrimination is sadly still a very-present obstacle for many. With La Maestra International Competition & Academy the Paris Mozart Orchestra and the Philharmonie de Paris are together seeking to unite the international musical world behind a strong commitment to women conductors, encourage vocational aspiration among women and offer the youngest among them unprecedented levels of support. The inaugural La Maestra Competition took place in Paris in September 2020 and was a resounding world-wide success, attracting 220 applicants of 51 different nationalities and a wide variety of backgrounds. Applicants’ backstories revealed personal circumstances which differed wildly from one country to another. This, together with the exceptional artistic quality displayed by the chosen candidates, has validated our original decision to take a strong stand and encourages us to renew our efforts. For there is yet more to be done. The talent is there, in all its abundance and variety. It is now up to all of us to give women orchestral conductors the visibility and support they deserve.