Brewers and beer lovers alike are celebrating International Women’s Day today across the UK, while considering the steps needed to reach gender equality in the industry.

Olga Athanasiadou (pictured), a brewer at Bedford-based Wells & Co brewery Brewpoint said: “It’s not just the Wells that needs more women, it’s the brewing industry as a whole and that’s because some people need to realise that it doesn’t matter about gender – everyone can get the job done. The brewing industry is a male-dominated world.”

She added: “I admire Brienne [@ratmagnet on Instagram]. She has played a huge role in revealing many unheard stories about sexism within the brewing industry and helped movements against it. We need more people like her.”

Wells prides itself on the fact that half its executive board and leadership team identify as female and 49 per cent of its leased and tenanted estate are landladies. The brewery will be celebrating the Women of Wells on its social channels.

Brewhouse & Kitchen in Chester invited women to join its International Women’s Brew Day today. It is an opportunity to create their own craft beer, enjoy beer tastings and network with other beer lovers.

In Leeds, Nomadic Beers reaped the rewards of a brew day in February where women from across the  industry came to create alongside brewery owner Dr Katie Marriott. The results were a 4.3 per cent pale ale called Shield Maiden to celebrate International Women’s Day.

“Every year, lots of breweries mark International Women’s Day by hosting a collaboration brew,” said Marriott. “This year, we decided to do something different and do the collaboration brew a few weeks early, so the beer is ready to enjoy on the day itself.”

Manchester-based brewery Joseph Holt is marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the women who have played a vital role in the establishment and success of the 173-year-old family business.

These include Catherine Parry, wife of eponymous founder Joseph Holt, who encouraged her husband to leave his job and set up his own self-titled brewery; Lady Elizabeth Holt, who spearheaded the charitable aims of the growing company in the early 20th century; Lady Margaret Holt, a fundraising powerhouse who harnessed Joseph Holt pubs and the brewery to raise money for the Christie Hospital; and Jane Kershaw, master brewer, former Brewer of the Year and, the sixth generation to join the family business. She is also the first woman to sit on the board.

 Kershaw said: “Women have always played a significant role in brewing beer in Britain – it`s just that those outside the brewing industry may not have been aware of it. And we want to change this – not least to encourage even more women to join us.”

CAMRA invited members to its first International Women’s Day virtual beer tasting, with attendees being supplied with five beers from female brewers, including Elly Bell from Durham Brewery, Sara Barton from Brewster’s Brewing Company, Becky Kean from Nirvana Brewery, Charlotte Cook from Coalition Brewery and Alesha Ivey from Five Points Brewery.

The tasting session, hosted by 50 Years of CAMRA author Laura Hadland, was attended by more than 50 people, including the five brewers.

One said, “It was great - the beers were varied and interesting, the speakers very engaging, and Laura is a brilliant host.”