Women On Tap CIC is a social enterprise that focuses on initiatives related to gender diversity and inclusion in the beer industry. Established in 2017, the organisation has hosted multiple festivals, events, and campaigns intended to highlight women’s contributions to brewing and beer culture, as well as to address perceived imbalances in representation and opportunity.[1] As of 2025, Women On Tap CIC took control of the campaign behind International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day.[2]
 | |
| Company type | Social enterprise |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Harrogate, United Kingdom |
Key people | Rachel Auty (Founder & Director) |
| Website | womenontap |
History
editWomen On Tap CIC was founded in Harrogate in 2017, beginning with a beer and arts festival designed to showcase women in the beer sector, including brewers, industry professionals, and enthusiasts. The first festival combined tastings, educational sessions, and creative elements, and subsequent editions continued to offer a mix of live events, workshops, panel discussions, and performances.[3]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Women On Tap CIC adapted its annual festival by delivering the programme online, including talks, tastings, music, yoga sessions, and panel discussions.[4] By 2024, the organisation had run seven festivals and more than 100 events, along with multiple campaigns aimed at raising the profile of women in the industry.[5]
In response to ongoing data suggesting slow progress in increasing women’s representation in beer[6], Women On Tap CIC convened a short-term advisory board in 2024 to review its mission, develop impact frameworks, and strengthen its financial resilience.[7][8]
Activities and initiatives
editFestivals and events
editThe annual Women On Tap Festival (WOTFEST) remains the organisation’s flagship event. It features beer tastings, tap takeovers, educational panels, art exhibitions, charity fundraising and creative commissions, with a focus on spotlighting breweries and industry professionals who identify as women.[9][10]
Education and outreach
editThe organisation collaborates with breweries, experts, and related businesses to offer discussions, tastings, brewery tours, and training sessions. These efforts aim to encourage dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and practical steps toward a more inclusive industry environment.[11]
Creative commissions and partnerships
editWomen On Tap commissions creative works - ranging from podcasts and short films to digital art - on themes of equality and diversity in beer. It partners with breweries for special festival beers and collaborates with various sponsors who support its programming.[12]
International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day
editAfter International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) took a hiatus in 2024, Women On Tap CIC agreed to help coordinate its return in 2025. With the theme “Unite Society,” the initiative encourages breweries worldwide to collaborate on new beers and commit to supporting women-focused causes.[13] The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), WSET, and Simpsons Malt are among the partners involved in this initiative.[14]
Support and funding
editWomen On Tap CIC’s work is funded through sponsorships, donations, and partnerships with breweries, pubs, and arts organisations. Contributors have included Thornbridge Brewery, Cloudwater Brew Co, Northern Monk, Rooster's Brewery, Simpsons Malt, and Brew York.[15][16]
References
edit- ^ "The 'horrific' sexism blighting the beer world". BBC News. 2018-01-14. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Walker, Neil (2024-12-06). "SIBA PARTNER WITH GLOBAL WOMEN'S DAY BREWING EVENT SET TO RETURN IN 2025". SIBA - Society of Independent Brewers and Associates. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ "Harrogate beer event: Sellout start for Women on Tap!". Harrogate Advertiser. 2019-04-29. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ "Harrogate's Women On Tap beer festival becomes a hybrid festival for its fifth year". Harrogate Advertiser. 2021-05-17. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ "Coming soon: Harrogate beer festival that is nationally acclaimed and celebrates amazing work of women in brewing". Harrogate Advertiser. 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ "Tackling craft beer's sexual harassment problem: The Skinny". www.theskinny.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Guild, Beer (2024-07-29). "'..we need to focus on impact' Meet the New Women On Tap CIC Advisory Board". The British Guild of Beer Writers. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Darren (2024-07-06). "Join the new Women On Tap CIC advisory board - Beer Today". beertoday.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ "Harrogate's Women On Tap 2020 raises more than a £1,000 for Refuge". Harrogate Advertiser. 2020-05-27. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Guild, Beer (2022-04-19). "Women In Northern Beer Assemble for WOTFEST SIX". The British Guild of Beer Writers. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Dibden, Holly (2024-12-16). "End of an era as iconic rave venue Hope Works announces closure". Exposed Magazine. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ "Discover More About Yorkshire's Female-Focused Beer Festival, Women On Tap". Living North. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Arundel, Sophie (2024-12-06). "Global women's brewing event will return in 2025". The Drinks Business. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Walker, Neil (2024-12-06). "SIBA PARTNER WITH GLOBAL WOMEN'S DAY BREWING EVENT SET TO RETURN IN 2025". SIBA - Society of Independent Brewers and Associates. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Guild, Beer (2022-04-19). "Women In Northern Beer Assemble for WOTFEST SIX". The British Guild of Beer Writers. Retrieved 2024-12-30.
- ^ Guild, Beer (2019-01-31). "Women On Tap teams up with big names in beer". The British Guild of Beer Writers. Retrieved 2024-12-30.