The positive impact of women working in beer
International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) has delivered its biggest year yet. In 2026, the movement has not only raised £33,889 for women’s causes across 88 brew days worldwide, but has also had a halo-effect on brewery reputations and beer sales. Jessica Mason reports.
In 2026, 88 brew days took place across the UK and internationally, bringing together 1,153 participants, producing 93 brand-new beers, and raising £33,889 for women’s causes – a 25% increase on last year.
A global movement
Now in its second year under the stewardship of UK-based social enterprise Women On Tap CIC, the IWCBD has grown into a genuine global movement.
From local taprooms in Yorkshire to brewery collectives in Switzerland, South Africa, Canada and the US, the annual International Women’s Day brew event has become one of the most meaningful campaigns in the independent beer calendar.
The data also tells a story of momentum: The 88 brew days across multiple countries was up from 61 in 2025. Plus, 1,153 participants took part – a figure that was up from 837 and 93 beers were brewed, up from 66. £33,889 was raised for women’s causes worldwide, up from £26,921.
A list of 30 WSET Level 1 Beer Award qualifications fully funded. up from 18 last year. Added to this, 15 bursary recipients were supported through the Women On Tap Bursary Scheme.
Revolutionised the sales npproach
Post-campaign survey results make a compelling case for IWCBD participation beyond the charitable dimension. For instance, Bristol Beer Factory, was one of the participating breweries and, describing IWCBD, its leadership team said: “It isn’t an understatement to say it revolutionised the way the (male) sales team approach new beer projects due to the fast sell-out rate and internal staff happiness that was a direct result of the IWD brew and marketing activities.”
Speaking to the drinks business, Women on Tap CIC founder Rachel Auty said: “It’s really very hard for the beer industry right now – we are losing breweries all the time – and many people tell us that IWCBD brings joy into their space and acts as a reminder of the wonderful community and all the passion people have for beer.”
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Auty told db: “We know this campaign can’t fix the huge challenges many breweries face right now, but by engaging people deeply and authentically in this way we are inspiring more activists and campaigners to fight for the industry, alongside building a pipeline of talented women who will be the beer leaders of tomorrow.”
Builds real relationships
London-based Pillars Brewery marketing manager Kayleigh Bell explained why IWCBD is important and pointed out that “representation in the brewing industry doesn’t happen by accident, and events like IWCBD are part of how the culture shifts. It builds real relationships between our brewery and the women who join us to brew – these women are all collaborators, advocates, and future ambassadors for the industry we love”.
Susi Lutz from b.i.e.r. Based in Verein, Switzerland, added: “IWCBD matters because it brings women together around something that has long been a male-dominated space: the brewery. Every year, we learn from each other, we brew something we’re proud of, and we turn that beer into real change.”
85% have already signed up for next year
With 85% of this year’s participants already confirming their return, plans for IWCBD 2027 are taking shape. Initial ‘commitment to brew’ sign-ups are expected to open in autumn 2026, with Women On Tap continuing to develop the campaign’s international reach, its partnerships, and its bursary programme.
Sponsorship opportunities for 2027 are now open, which means that organisations interested in aligning with the campaign should get in touch directly with Women on Tap.
Participating breweries are asked to commit to donating a minimum of £100 to a women’s cause of their choosing, with funds flowing to a breadth of organisations. Domestic abuse charities, women’s aid networks, freedom and empowerment projects, and industry-specific bodies all received donations this year, from StrutSafe and Solace Women’s Aid, to Women in Beer UK, Pink Boots Society, Freedom 4 Girls, and Women for Refugee Women.
Auty added: “The growth we’ve seen in 2026 is genuinely extraordinary, but what moves me most isn’t the numbers, it’s the stories. Women coming together in breweries, taking up space, supporting each other, and turning their passion for beer into lasting impact for the causes that need us. This is exactly what IWCBD is for. I love to think that IWCBD contributes to the resilience and future health of beer and brewing in this way.”
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