Global women’s beer campaign to grow in 2026
International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) will return in 2026 with a series of tie-ups set to boost its impact. While women remain underrepresented across the sector, db looks at why the initiative is crucial.
Speaking to the drinks business, IWCBD organisers Women On Tap CIC founder Rachel Auty said: “It’s fantastic to have the backing of SIBA, WSET and other leaders across the industry so we can build further on the great work Sophie de Ronde did with this campaign over the last decade.”
Auty explained: “Working with our Advisory Board at Women On Tap CIC, we recognise that action and impact is what’s really needed to push for real change. We want to make the beer industry a place where everyone is welcome and can thrive. That’s what this campaign is all about.”
IWCBD brings together beer and International Women’s Day by inspiring and supporting communities to gather at local breweries annually on or around 8 March to brew beer together, network, learn, and celebrate women.
As recent research has shown, the beer industry continues to remain a male-dominated arena, with women still making up just 30% of the overall UK workforce – a figure unchanged since 2022.
Added to this only 4% of those women are now in brewing roles, a sharp drop from 11% in 2019. Women now represent just 8% of all brewers, down from 9% last year, and their presence in management has slipped from 25% to 23%. Meanwhile, women remain heavily overrepresented in administrative roles, comprising 78% of that segment. Last year, db delved into how the brewing sector has taken backward steps in gender equality and representation with research showing fewer women thinking that beer is for them, compared to years prior.
To counter this, the IWCBD aims to drive change by boosting representation, promoting the growth of support networks, and inspiring breweries to reflect on workplace inclusion.
First launched in 2014 by Burnt Mill Brewery head brewer Sophie de Ronde, the global brewing celebration ran for 10 years before taking a break in 2024. Later that year, Women On Tap CIC – the social enterprise championing gender equality in the beer industry – announced it would be picking up the reins and reigniting the campaign.
IWCBD made its return this year and totalled 61 brew days, 837 participants, 66 beers, and £26,921 raised for 44 women’s causes around the world.
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Now, for 2026, Women On Tap has secured funding and put in place the core building blocks for the next IWCBD, with a number of enhancements.
This includes: The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) being a headline partner for IWCBD for another year, demonstrating its commitment to inspiring inclusion and supporting positive change.
Additionally, drinks education leader the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust), will once again be the campaign’s education partner and for 2026 is expanding its support by increasing donated places on the exclusive IWCBD online Level 1 Award in Beer from 18 to 30.
Plus, a new bursary scheme will be offered, supplying direct financial support to those who are required to cover their own travel costs and who would find this a barrier to participation in the campaign while Simpsons Malt will also be a main sponsor for 2026.
ursary sponsors for the upcoming campaign also include the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Charles Faram, Kegstar, Lallemand, The Malt Miller, and the Women On Tap CIC Changemakers.
Speaking about the association’s involvement, SIBA chief executive Andy Slee said: “SIBA could not be more pleased to once again be partnering with Women On Tap to present the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day for 2026. Improving the diversity of the beer industry and attracting more women to join brewing is essential for the future of the sector and we look forward to helping as many breweries as possible get involved this coming year.”
Beer sommelier, advanced cicerone and certified beer educator at WSET Natalya Watson explained: “WSET is thrilled to increase our impact for next year’s IWCBD campaign. In 2026, we’ll be offering 30 global participants the opportunity to gain their Level 1 Award in Beer and to grow their networks through this special online course. Our qualifications don’t just provide product knowledge and tasting skills – they build confidence and create opportunities for people to take their next step in beer.”
Auty told db: “For 2026 we’re excited to have secured even more beer qualifications for more women across the globe, and to have been able to introduce a Women On Tap Bursary Scheme.”
IWCBD sign up will open in October, with a chance to ask questions about participation and meet others at an online information event in November. More updates can be acquired by signing up to the mailing list via Women on Tap and speaking to other women to find out who may like to join to get involved is encouraged.
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