Almost half (44%) of women working in wine in the UK have considered leaving the industry because of gender-based challenges, a new survey of 726 respondents has found. Curious Vines, an online platform which connects women in the wine industry, partnered with market researcher Proof Insight to undertake the research, which surveyed 726 respondents to investigate the experiences of women in the wine industry. Sexism, gender bias and harassment were considered the top issue faced by women in the UK wine industry, with 78% of survey respondents acknowledging sexism and gender bias as a key issue to tackle. A lack of women in leadership roles and discriminatory pay and conditions were also some of the key issues outlined by women taking part in the research. More than three quarters (76%) felt that women are underrepresented in leadership roles, and half (54%) believe that discriminatory pay and conditions are an issue in the UK wine industry. The bulk of responses came from women aged 25-44, and almost half of those who took part in the survey have worked in the industry for 10 years or more. Challenges faced by women returning from maternity leave were also highlighted by the research, raising the lack of flexible working as a key challenge for those juggling care responsibilities. More than one in three women in wine have faced harassment while working, and this issue disproportionately affects those working in hospitality. Queena Wong, founder of Curious Vines, said in a presentation on the research yesterday:
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Wine
