Belfast bar Northern Lights will be celebrating the role of women in the craft beer and spirits industry, and challenge a host of gender stereotypes and clichés about who produces and enjoys quality drinks.
On March 8 – International Women’s Day - a panel of speakers from across Northern Ireland will discuss their experiences of a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Hosted by Galway Bay Brewery, the event at Northern Lights will also help raise money for Little Women NI, which works to encourage pre-teen girls to realise their ambitions.
Sinead Cashman, manager of Northern Lights on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, said, “We are celebrating female brewers & distillers from right here in Northern Ireland.
“We have a fantastic panel lined up who will each speak about their journey to becoming a brewer/distiller of some of NI's leading labels and how they have faced and overcome gender challenges within their industry.
“We hope to spread International Women's Day message of #PressForProgress and use all funds raised to support other organisations that challenge gender stereotyping.”
Speakers will offer samples of their products on the evening, which runs from 7-9pm, as well as providing prizes for the raffle and draw for Little Women NI.
“The evidence of change in the brewing sector is growing,” said Sinead. “Worldwide sites such as the Girl+Beer Blog, the Pink Boots Society, and Project Venus, as well as the Sparkke Change Beverage Company are showing the evolution.
“And, here in Northern Ireland, we have much to celebrate about the work of women in brewing.”
