The craft beer industry is brewing something special for 2025. After a year’s hiatus, the International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) is making a highly anticipated return with an exciting new theme, “Unite Society.” This global event celebrates women in brewing and encourages collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity. Spearheaded by Women On Tap CIC, with partnerships including the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), IWCBD 2025 looks set to leave a meaningful impact on the industry and beyond.
This pivotal event provides a platform for women brewers—from seasoned professionals to passionate homebrewers—to come together, create distinctive beers, and support women-focused initiatives. But why is this event, and the women behind it, so important to the history and future of brewing? To truly appreciate the significance of IWCBD, we need to take a step back and reflect on the often-overlooked legacy of women in brewing.
A History of Women Brewers
When you think of brewing beer today, do women come to mind? Unfortunately, they rarely do. The brewing industry has long been male-dominated, yet historically, brewing was a woman’s craft.
Dating back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, women played a central role in brewing. The Sumerians even worshipped Ninkasi, a goddess of beer, underscoring how integral women were to the brewing process.
Brewing was seen as an extension of domestic work, a necessity for families and communities. This tradition persisted through the medieval period, when “alewives” brewed and sold beer as part of their livelihood. Even in colonial America, women continued brewing for their households and communities.
One particularly notable woman in brewing history is Mary Lisle, who is considered the first American female brewer. She took over her father’s brewhouse in Philadelphia in 1734, becoming a pioneer in an era when women’s roles in brewing were already beginning to wane. By the late 18th century, brewing had transitioned from a domestic art into a male-dominated commercial industry.
Fast-forward to today, and women’s role in brewing is again growing. Initiatives like the founding of the Pink Boots Society—which supports women beer professionals—have championed the importance of gender diversity in the brewing community. Events like IWCBD not only celebrate women’s contributions to beer but also work to ensure the industry’s future is more inclusive.
What to Expect from Women Collaboration Brew Day 2025
Set to coincide with International Women’s Day in March, IWCBD 2025 will unite women brewers and communities across the globe. The theme “Unite Society” emphasizes the importance of collaboration and inclusivity—not just in brewing, but in the world at large. Here’s what makes the 2025 event particularly special:
A Global Community of Female Brewers
IWCBD aims to bring women together, whether they’re brewing professionally, homebrewing, or simply passionate about beer. From local breweries to international communities, the event offers an opportunity for women to share their knowledge, experiment with new recipes, and create beers that symbolize the theme of unity.
Supporting Women-Focused Causes
Drawing inspiration from the Brave Noise campaign, participating breweries are encouraged to donate to non-profits supporting women. Breweries can contribute a minimum of £100 or a percentage of their beer sales to relevant causes, ensuring the event drives tangible, lasting impact.
Education and Empowerment
With WSET as an educational partner, IWCBD 2025 also fosters a culture of learning. Participants will gain insights into beer diversity, sustainable brewing practices, and ways to empower more women to step into leadership roles within the industry.
Collaboration Beers
A hallmark of IWCBD is the crafting of collaboration beers. Breweries and homebrewers alike create unique recipes to reflect the year’s theme, often incorporating local ingredients and flavors. These beers embody the spirit of teamwork, creativity, and community.
Main Campaign Launch
The campaign will formally launch in January 2025, allowing breweries and enthusiasts ample time to prepare and get involved. This year, Women On Tap CIC is coordinating the efforts, ensuring a more organized and impactful initiative.
Why Events Like IWCBD Matter
Beer has been—or should we say, “ale-ways” been—more than just a drink. It’s a cultural touchstone, a reminder of history, and a symbol of community. Yet, for far too long, the beer industry has struggled to include diverse voices, particularly women. According to studies by SIBA, women occupy just a small percentage of leadership roles in brewing, and representation within the broader industry remains limited. Events like IWCBD shine a spotlight on these disparities while actively bringing solutions to the table.
Not only does IWCBD celebrate the legacy of women in brewing, but it also creates space for the next generation of female brewers. By pairing beer-making with fundraising and community engagement, the event reminds us that brewing is about more than the product—it’s about the people.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a brewer, a beer enthusiast, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, there are plenty of ways to join the IWCBD movement:
Host or Attend a Brew Day
If you own or work at a brewery, consider hosting a brew day event. Support your local brewery by attending their brew days and sampling collaboration beers.
Spread the Word
Share information about IWCBD on social media. Use hashtags like #UniteSociety and #IWCBD2025 to connect with like-minded beer lovers.
Support Women-Focused Causes
Purchase collaboration beers or donate directly to non-profits supported by IWCBD. Every sale helps advance gender equality in brewing and beyond.
Explore Educational Opportunities
Keep an eye out for workshops, webinars, and events hosted by IWCBD’s partners, including WSET and Women On Tap CIC.
Brewing Change, One Pint at a Time
The return of International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day is more than just an event—it’s a movement. By uniting women in brewing, fostering meaningful connections, and championing inclusivity, IWCBD 2025 has the potential to reshape the industry and inspire a new generation of brewers.
When you raise your glass during next year’s IWCBD celebrations, remember the centuries of women whose work has enriched the history of brewing. And remember the women today who are leading the charge toward a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative future.
For more information, visit IWCBD’s official website.