Initially for this article, I was hoping to write a piece celebrating the women in brewing and encouraging more females and non-binary people to enter the field. However, after speaking with several women already established in the industry, I quickly realised that the conversation needed to shift. Many shared their frustrations about the lack of sufficient support systems for women and non-binary individuals, with barriers that went beyond mere visibility.
While they acknowledged that progress had been made in terms of inclusivity, it became clear that systemic issues like gender bias, harassment, and a lack of mentorship were still deeply entrenched. As a result, the article evolved from a celebration of women in beer to a broader exploration of the challenges that still hinder their success in the industry. The message became unmistakable: the focus should be on creating supportive, inclusive environments that offer equal opportunities and mentorship to all brewers, regardless of gender.
A number of the women featured in this article chose to remain anonymous due to concerns that sharing their experiences could impact their careers, as they feared it might lead to professional consequences or backlash.
Not enough change
Australia’s craft beer scene has been experiencing a surge of talent in recent years, but for many women and non-binary people within the industry, breaking into and thriving in this traditionally male-dominated field can feel like an uphill battle.
Despite the growing number of women and non-binary brewers, owners, and industry leaders, many indicate that they still face significant challenges, from gender bias to overt harassment. The stark majority of women I spoke to felt that not enough has changed to truly encourage women and non-binary people to enter the industry, and the narrative surrounding them often focuses more on their gender rather than their brewing prowess.
Some, after years of participating in conversations about gender in beer, have become disillusioned. One such individual, who has spent many years contributing to discussions on gender in beer, stated bluntly, “I’m going to decline to contribute as I no longer take part in articles on women in the industry. Sadly, after many years of taking part in these types of pieces there has been little to no improvement for women.”
She gave me permission to share her frustration anonymously, which speaks volumes about the ongoing challenges being faced by women and non-binary people within the industry.
“I’m lucky to be a woman and running my own business, so I can be honest and speak my mind. For many others, particularly those not in leadership roles, being open and honest about their experience as a woman in the industry can be daunting and even career-limiting,” she said.
It’s a sentiment echoed by others who are still working on the frontlines of beer production. Nemesia Dale-Cully, who’s been in the industry for almost seven years, noted that while the more obvious instances of sexism – being asked if she “likes beer” or assuming she’s the owner’s wife – are part of the experience, it’s the more insidious forms of discrimination that take a toll.
Sharing her experiences, she said: “I’ve been sexually harassed, assaulted, and mocked. This is all from the general public. The challenges internally can be a bit murkier, but there are certainly places where I’ve known senior management to say they wouldn’t hire any female managers, if they had the choice.”
Support and diversity
Despite these obstacles, many women and non-binary people in brewing have not only persevered but thrived. Their experiences highlight both the resilience required to navigate these challenges and the importance of mentorship and community support.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have had mentors who’ve seen my hard work and passion and helped me to grow to where I am,” said Nemesia. She emphasised the power of support systems like the Pink Boots Society, Venus Vinifera, and Women & Revolution, organisations that connect women and non-binary people in the industry, offering training, professional development, and a safe space to share experiences.
Others also emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment to foster long-term growth in the industry.
“We need to continue platforming women (and non-binary people) working in the beer industry,” said Bronte O’Donohue. “You can’t be what you can’t see, so giving women and non-binary people the educational tools, support, and opportunity to grow into senior roles in beer businesses will unlock more opportunities for those coming after them.”
When asked how the industry can encourage more women and non-binary people to become brewers or enter other roles, another interviewee emphasised the importance of creating an environment where all voices are valued.
“Women and individuals from minority and diverse backgrounds have a hugely valuable perspective to offer,” they noted. “By building inclusive networks, supporting them in leadership positions, and drawing on their strengths and experiences, we can move the beer industry forward.”
Creating these opportunities is essential, but so too is ensuring that those entering the industry are given the support they need to grow into leadership roles.
The importance of fostering a healthy workplace culture cannot be overstated. One woman shared her experience of entering a workplace with a strong culture of respect and values, saying, “I think most of the challenges come about due to stereotypes based on gender where many think women and non-binary people are the ‘exceptions’ or should stick to certain roles.” She adds, “Building a healthy workplace culture is all about teamwork, respect, and clear values that everyone understands and lives by.”
This type of environment, where all people feel respected and valued, is critical to not only overcoming existing barriers but ensuring that women and non-binary people can thrive.
However, despite efforts to promote diversity through hiring targets, some argue that simply “chasing a number” isn’t working. “It’s skills, knowledge, experience, and the right attitude that really matter,” one woman stated, pointing out that achieving real change means focusing on merit rather than quotas.
Even so, while some women and non-binary people are seeing the benefits of supportive company cultures, others face the stark reality that cultural and systemic biases persist.
“There are many more challenges that can slow career progression, limit opportunities for leadership, and leave women and non-binary people feeling like they constantly have to prove themselves,” said one interviewee. She added that outdated, sexist beer marketing still creates a barrier, both for women and non-binary people entering the industry and for them as consumers. The perception of beer as a male-dominated realm is still ingrained, and it’s a mindset that often prevents women and non-binary people from feeling included in the first place.
Another woman shared a personal challenge she faced: “Bearing the brunt of office housework and more administrative tasks, as well as having to validate my decisions more than my male counterparts has negatively impacted my productivity in the past. I’ve overcome this by keeping in mind how they would act and respond in certain situations. People are naturally drawn to authenticity, so I strive to always be bold, confident, and true to myself.”
One industry professional shared her perspective on the ongoing challenges, saying: “I consider myself extremely lucky to have been welcomed into beer by some incredible women and non-binary people who started before I did. But in the years I have spent working across many roles in both big and small businesses in beer, it has been an incredible fight to make space at the decision-making tables. There is still an issue of not seeing enough women and non-binary people leading – and this is a continued deterrent to long-term career growth. Not to mention the continued misogyny and sexism that we are still faced with. Supporting women and using our voices to speak out against these wrongs has been detrimental to many careers.”
Toxic behaviour
So, what can be done to break down these barriers? Many women and non-binary people agree that the focus should shift from just ‘hiring’ to instead creating environments that are truly supportive and inclusive.
“Challenging toxic behaviours like sexism and harassment by implementing clear policies, regular training, and consistent enforcement is crucial,” said one industry professional. She added that workplace flexibility, such as parental leave and flexible schedules, is essential in helping women to balance work and personal lives, which has been a significant factor in breaking down barriers in other industries.
Promoting the visibility of women and non-binary people is another key factor in inspiring the next generation.
“We need to create a culture where everyone pitches in, communicates openly, and has each other’s back,” one woman emphasised. By highlighting the achievements of women and non-binary people in various roles, whether through articles, panels, or events, the industry can create relatable role models for the next generation of women and non-binary people in beer.
Of course, it’s important to celebrate the incredible women and non-binary people who have already made their mark in the industry – those who have overcome immense challenges and proven their talents. Their accomplishments – whether it’s creating unique beer recipes, building successful businesses, or becoming mentors to other women and non-binary people – deserve to be celebrated on their own merits.
At the end of the day, the brewing industry is about the beer, the craft, and the innovation that each individual brings to the table, regardless of gender. As more women and non-binary people continue to push through the barriers and pave the way for others, there is hope that the next generation of beer professionals won’t have to face the same obstacles. But that hope requires all of us – women, men, and non-binary people alike – to challenge old perceptions, celebrate talent over gender, and build a truly inclusive beer culture in Australia.
The journey is far from over, but as more women and non-binary people carve out space in the brewing industry, they prove every day that beer is for everyone.
