Global Women: Bad Gyal, Belinda, Danna, Debi Nova, Mon Laferte & Zhamira Zambrano at Latin Music Week

Billboard's Latin Music Week was all about female power on Tuesday (October 15), as six international artists gathered for the Women's Panel: Global Rise: Bad Gyal, from Spain? Belinda and Danna, from Mexico. Debi Nova, from Costa Rica. Mon Laferte, from Chile. and Zhamira Zambrano, from Venezuela.

During the conversation, presented by Ulta and moderated by Ingrid Fajardosocial media manager/staff editor for Billboard Latin, the six Latin music stars created an atmosphere of camaraderie at The Fillmore Miami Beach as they talked about the challenges of being a woman in the industry and the advancements they've seen in recent years.

“I feel that the world is changing positively. Little by little, but it is changing,” said Mon Laferte. “When I started in music there were less women, not only on stage but also behind the scenes. I see women in technology, sound engineers, producers and it shows the fact that there is a change in the world.”

While stressing the importance of cooperation and mutual support, they noted that on many occasions they have met industry men who have been their accomplices and allies.

Here are their best quotes from this year's women's panel.

Bad Gyal, on mental health and social media: “One way to handle it more calmly is to accept that insecurity will be there and that if one day you want to not upload anything, that's fine. I'm Bad Gyal but I'm also Alba (her real name) and I live a real life. I'm connected to my childhood, to my essence, and that helps too.”

Belinda, on her recent foray into Mexican music: “Three or four years ago I was told that this genre was not for women, that I wouldn't be able to record these songs. Nathanael Cano inspired me a lot […] Life changes when you do things by feeling them and fighting for what you want. Taking risks is what one should do and slowly lose fear.”

Danna, on female alliances in music: “They are important and necessary. We talk to each other and the world moves. To be able to turn around and know that we are colleagues and not competition […] We are making a very big change. Women take over everything. Here we are shaking the world.”

Debi Nova, on the music industry in her native Costa Rica: “Growing up there, I really had no reference in the country of women dedicated to music, and now I see a whole generation of girls taking that leap, that challenge of saying yes, it's possible, and I want to say that it's partly this generation of women coming to my country where little girls see them and say “if she can do it, so can I”.

Mon Laferte, on how he deals with haters: “I've learned to enjoy even when hate is thrown at me. Sometimes I like that they think I'm the worst […] She's the character: “She's terrible, she's bad.” I laugh about it at home with my daughter. Maybe it's because I'm older, and age [helps].”

Zhamira Zambrano, on how she maintains her essence despite industry pressures: “I am very attached to God, to have my feet on the ground, to rely on my family, my husband, my daughter. Having those strong foundations at home is what works for me […] If you are happy and content with yourself and confident in yourself, you will transmit it to the world. We see a lot more, women's empowerment, but it's never enough. “We have to keep watering this little plant.”

Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 coincides with the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards airing at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 20, on Telemundo. It will be available simultaneously on Universo, Peacock and the Telemundo app and in Latin America and the Caribbean through Telemundo Internacional.