Post by Vinny on Nov 1, 2022 9:36:28 GMT
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-63284148
Increasing numbers of women are getting involved in the world of whisky distilling and whisky writing.
Hope some people like the news article.
Whisky is for everyone.
Increasing numbers of women are getting involved in the world of whisky distilling and whisky writing.
Whisky writer Becky Paskin is on a mission.
Having launched a social media campaign in 2018 to challenge "stereotypical perceptions" around who makes and drinks whisky, she has created a non-profit organisation called OurWhisky Foundation to "support and empower" women in the industry.
"For decades the spirit has been marketed almost exclusively towards men, resulting in a widely-held belief that women simply do not drink whisky and do not belong in its world," she explains.
"The truth is that women have long been involved in whisky's production and global success but are largely absent from marketing campaigns, the media and under-recognised in industry awards.
"Women are the hidden figures behind the world's most popular spirit."
She adds: "As a result, women in the industry often face unconscious bias, doubts about their level of knowledge and persistent questions of 'but do you actually like whisky?'.
"For many consumers, it's unfathomable that a woman would know anything about whisky, let alone enjoy it."
The OurWhisky Foundation's head of content, Millie Milliken, says the perception of the industry is "still behind the curve" when it comes to recognising the role of women in making, selling, marketing and other roles.
Arguably, her point is made by the fact that the industry's main lobby group, the Scotch Whisky Association, is unable to supply gender breakdown figures.
But she believes the industry is ready, willing and able to change, although it will take time.
"I'm so happy to see some incredible women coming into the industry in more junior roles and in time, these women will be working in some of the most covetable and respected roles in this industry," she says.
"I do, however, want to see more brands delivering on their gender equality goals, looking into maternity and caregiver policies and having concrete policies against harassment, sexism and discrimination in place for women in their workplaces.
"Those seemingly small steps are what will keep the amazing female talent in our industry moving forward."
Having launched a social media campaign in 2018 to challenge "stereotypical perceptions" around who makes and drinks whisky, she has created a non-profit organisation called OurWhisky Foundation to "support and empower" women in the industry.
"For decades the spirit has been marketed almost exclusively towards men, resulting in a widely-held belief that women simply do not drink whisky and do not belong in its world," she explains.
"The truth is that women have long been involved in whisky's production and global success but are largely absent from marketing campaigns, the media and under-recognised in industry awards.
"Women are the hidden figures behind the world's most popular spirit."
She adds: "As a result, women in the industry often face unconscious bias, doubts about their level of knowledge and persistent questions of 'but do you actually like whisky?'.
"For many consumers, it's unfathomable that a woman would know anything about whisky, let alone enjoy it."
The OurWhisky Foundation's head of content, Millie Milliken, says the perception of the industry is "still behind the curve" when it comes to recognising the role of women in making, selling, marketing and other roles.
Arguably, her point is made by the fact that the industry's main lobby group, the Scotch Whisky Association, is unable to supply gender breakdown figures.
But she believes the industry is ready, willing and able to change, although it will take time.
"I'm so happy to see some incredible women coming into the industry in more junior roles and in time, these women will be working in some of the most covetable and respected roles in this industry," she says.
"I do, however, want to see more brands delivering on their gender equality goals, looking into maternity and caregiver policies and having concrete policies against harassment, sexism and discrimination in place for women in their workplaces.
"Those seemingly small steps are what will keep the amazing female talent in our industry moving forward."
Whisky is for everyone.
