#13/2018
SHOULD GENDER REALLY MATTER?
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Last newsletter’s Wing Woman Mariana brought to light the female role in the history of brewing. It always seems such a surprise to see a woman working in what is often identified as a male-dominated industry. It's always interesting to dig a little deeper, as you may be surprised what you might find. On that note, let’s look into the brewing industry.
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Photo by Fábio Alves on Unsplash
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SO WHAT ABOUT THE BREWING INDUSTRY?
Photo by Elevate on Unsplash
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Let’s start with a little history.
This is a great article covering the history of beer making throughout in different regions around the world. It brings to light the evolution of brewing as an invention and production that was made and dominated by women. And yet as a result of historical situations, this practice shifted from female to that of being male-dominated. One such reason for the shift is due to access to money (investment), an impact that we also saw in the shift of the gender balance in the film industry in a past newsletter. |
Did you know that the ancient brewing god was actually a goddess called Ninkasi? And she wasn't the only goddess connected to brewing.
And here's a little more history with another mention of an important figure in the development of brewing - Hildegard von Bingen who discovered the benefits of hops that enabled beer to last longer, which meant more could be produced at a time. Unfortunately, this ended up being another historical situation that shifted brewing from women to men.
But what about the perceptions of women and beer?
Unsurprisingly, the advertising industry plays a role in creating these perceptions. It is thus important that through conscious awareness of what we are seeing and the influence of visibility, it is now the moment to make changes to properly reflect reality. If a product is of good quality, the gender of those interested shouldn't matter.
Visibility is key and when you’re working or wanting to work in an industry it helps to know there are others like you out there. The Pink Boots Society has created a global network of brewsters to inspire, encourage and support women in this industry.
Want to see more women making waves in this industry?
* Katharina is one part of the Berlin-based Brlo founding team.
* Going to the UK? Why not scout out some of these breweries.
* One can't forget Sister Doris of Mallersdorf Abbey who has been making beer for over four decades.
* And here are some other more global names to check out.
It is important to be aware of history, acknowledge it, and not manipulate it. And with this, we are then able to move forward and seek ways that create equal opportunity for all. Industries such as brewing should have no gender domination and simply be open to all who enjoy the process and the outcome.
And here's a little more history with another mention of an important figure in the development of brewing - Hildegard von Bingen who discovered the benefits of hops that enabled beer to last longer, which meant more could be produced at a time. Unfortunately, this ended up being another historical situation that shifted brewing from women to men.
But what about the perceptions of women and beer?
Unsurprisingly, the advertising industry plays a role in creating these perceptions. It is thus important that through conscious awareness of what we are seeing and the influence of visibility, it is now the moment to make changes to properly reflect reality. If a product is of good quality, the gender of those interested shouldn't matter.
Visibility is key and when you’re working or wanting to work in an industry it helps to know there are others like you out there. The Pink Boots Society has created a global network of brewsters to inspire, encourage and support women in this industry.
Want to see more women making waves in this industry?
* Katharina is one part of the Berlin-based Brlo founding team.
* Going to the UK? Why not scout out some of these breweries.
* One can't forget Sister Doris of Mallersdorf Abbey who has been making beer for over four decades.
* And here are some other more global names to check out.
It is important to be aware of history, acknowledge it, and not manipulate it. And with this, we are then able to move forward and seek ways that create equal opportunity for all. Industries such as brewing should have no gender domination and simply be open to all who enjoy the process and the outcome.
BITE-SIZE
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
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Watch: This is awesome! (Thanks Gabby Lord and ToiToiToi Creative Studio for sharing with WOM).
Read: Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang has now equalised pay in her architecture firm. A recent WOM newsletter looked into the architectural industry in a two-part series (part one and part two). Listen: BBC Desert Island Discs interview with Chi-chi Nwanoku, what an incredible person and story. |
Published in August 2018.