Women unite to boost presence in the beer sector for 2026
International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) returns this year, marking International Women’s Day with a global programme of collaboration brew days celebrating women in the beer industry and raising funds for women’s causes. Jessica Mason finds out more.
For this year, the IWCBD initiative uses the theme ‘Unite Belonging’ and is also set to launch a pilot bursary scheme to increase access of IWCBD brew days and support the reminder that the event is crucial for the sector to progress with due recognition being given to the women who contribute to its prosperity.
Resetting the balance
The question of whether gender equality in beer has been moving forwards if men aren’t listening was raised again back in 2024 with the point being raised within the sector to show that, despite inclusivity talks and events being open to all, attendance at such events was still seen largely from 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. Last year, women spoke out about sexism in the beer industry and how it continues to prevail and why it should be everyone’s job to speak up about it. The topic has led to many commentators from across the industry also joining up and taking part in events such as an IWCBD.
The 2026 campaign, run by Women On Tap CIC and in partnership with the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) also marks the launch of a new IWCBD campaign poster which will be sold as a fundraiser to help fund the initiative
In 2025, IWCBD included 61 brew days and the campaign raised nearly £27,000 for women’s causes, however this year the initiative will be boosted further with Women on Tap CIC as a primary driving force for the events and making it easier than ever before for women and breweries to sign up to take part with links to a live map showing participating locations.
To assist in more involvement, Women On Tap CIC has launched a pilot bursary scheme to remove financial barriers for people wishing to attend local International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) 2026 events. The scheme offers bursaries of up to £100 per person to help cover reasonable costs that might otherwise prevent attendance or add financial burden.
The message amplifies that fact that attending an IWCBD brew day is widely recognised as a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning, networking, and skills development. Plus, for many women, participation has played a meaningful role in launching careers, building confidence, and supporting progression within the beer and brewing industry.
Women On Tap CIC founder, Rachel Auty pointed out: “We know that costs such as travel, childcare, or taking unpaid time off work can prevent people from taking part, or from participating fully. This pilot bursary scheme is built on trust and dignity, and is intended to make IWCBD brew days more accessible for more women.”
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Auty highlighted how applications for the bursary scheme are now open and revealed that the application process has been designed to be straightforward, respectful, and non-onerous, requiring only basic information about the event being attended and the costs support is requested for. This means that applicants are not required to share personal circumstances or financial details and applications will be reviewed in good faith as they are received, and approved subject to the meeting of the bursary criteria and available funds.
This pilot programme has been made possible with support of the bursary sponsors including: Kegstar, The Malt Miller, Lallemand Brewing, Charles Faram, CAMRA, Beer52, We Are Beer, Heineken, Muntons, Lucky Saint, and the Women On Tap Changemakers. Added to these sponsors, SIBA is also named as the headline IWCBD partner, while the WSET is named as the initiative’s education partner and Simpsons Malt are also a main sponsor
Get involved
Speaking to the drinks business, Auty said: “Last year we had 61 brew days taking part in the campaign. We would love to increase that number in 2026. Breweries, homebrewers, women in the beer industry, and local communities are encouraged to collaborate, create truly inclusive beer spaces and experiences, celebrate the contribution of women in the beer industry, and raise money for women’s causes. It’s free and easy to sign up via our online form, and we have a live interactive map showing all the brew day events. We’ve got a load of resources, developed by the Women On Tap team, including FAQs, videos, guide sheets, and we are on standby to support in any way we can.”
Presenter, author and brewer Jaega Wise told db: “IWCBD is an important day in the brewing calendar. It’s a time when women get together to not only brew beer, but to collaborate, network, educate and ultimately promote women in beer. Over the years it has grown into a flourishing event, with many around the world taking part. It is a joy to be a part of and the camaraderie is simply unmatched. It is one of my favourite days of the year.”
Auty explained: “An IWCBD brew day doesn’t need to be a grand gesture – it’s perfectly fine to start small with a few of your team and see where it goes from there. We welcome everyone and brew days of all shapes and sizes. Join us on this mission to amplify the voices of the ignored, excluded and underestimated in a powerful act of global action.”
To sign up simply fill out the online form and take part in the 2026 event to help move the industry forwards.
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