As we approach International Women’s Day 2025 on 8 March, we are reminded of the importance of accelerating action for gender equality. The global theme for this year, ‘Accelerate Action,’ challenges us to take decisive and swift steps toward achieving gender parity, which, at the current rate of progress, will not be reached until 2158. This year, we’re celebrating the exceptional women in the brewing industry who are not only breaking barriers but also demonstrating what it means to challenge the status quo and forge new paths forward for others to follow.
Through this special edition of Beer & Brewer, we focus on women shaping the future of the beer and brewing industry. Their leadership and vision have not only contributed to their personal success but have also opened doors for the next generation of women to thrive in the industry.
One such woman is Jaz Wearin, founder of Modus. Her journey from corporate worker to brewery founder is a testament to her passion, creativity, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative space within the brewing industry.
The spark of inspiration
Wearin’s journey into the brewing world was not one she planned in advance. Raised in the country, she always enjoyed a beer, but it wasn’t until a trip to the USA in 2012 that she and her husband seriously considered the idea of opening a brewery. After quitting their corporate jobs, they were struck by the special bond that breweries had with their local communities, the freshness of the product, and the authenticity of the operations. This experience inspired them to return to Australia and establish Modus Brewing in 2014.
“When we came back to Australia, we knew we wanted to create something that could bring people together, that would be about more than just beer,” Wearin says. “It was about creating a place that represented the values we believed in and connecting with the community.”
Her passion for crafting both a unique product and experience led her to create Modus Brewing’s Merewether location, a space that reflects her vision of an inclusive, creative environment.
Creating more opportunities
As a female leader in the brewing industry, Wearin is passionate about encouraging more women to enter the field, not just as brewers but in a wide variety of roles. She believes that increasing female representation in the industry can help change the culture and perceptions surrounding beer.
“People want to work for something they are passionate about, which means we need to recruit more females into enjoying beverages and their brands, whether that be in beer, seltzers, or non-alcoholic drinks,” she explains. “This can be achieved through featuring more females in marketing material, positive media coverage from females within the industry, having female ambassadors and influencers for our brands, and making brewery venues more welcoming to women.”
Wearin points out that wine and spirits have done a great job of promoting gender equality and visibility, and now the brewing industry must catch up. She sees this as an opportunity to meet the needs of an evolving generational drinker, and as an industry leader, she is committed to creating spaces where women can thrive.
“I take my job as a founder seriously and it is my job to provide an equal opportunity, safe, inspiring workplace so that all my team can be a true reflection of themselves.”
Jaz Wearin
Leading with confidence
Like many women in male-dominated industries, Wearin faced challenges when she started her career. In her 20s, she recalls times when tradies, advisors, and even customers would insist on speaking with her husband instead of her. But she faced those challenges head-on, driven by the need to get things done and to prove herself in the industry.
“Those days are long gone because I had a business to run, and my life literally depended on getting s&^t done!” she says. “However, I’m aware that I have a different experience from other women in the industry being an owner, not an employee. I can tell someone ‘Too bad, you have to deal with me because I’m paying the bills,’ but an employee can’t always take that stance.”
Wearin is particularly concerned about women who might not be able to assert themselves for fear of being labelled, dismissed, or ostracised. As a founder, she has worked hard to build a workplace that is equal and inclusive for everyone.
“The beer industry today is more diverse than ever, not just in the people working in it but also in the innovative beverages we’re creating. It’s an exciting time to join.”
Jaz Wearin
Advancing the industry
Wearin encourages women who are considering a career in the beer industry to dive in and explore the many opportunities that exist. She highlights the evolving nature of the industry and the potential for growth within it.
“Come on in! It’s an evolving industry that is really starting to grow up and understand its responsibilities,” she says. “There is so much scope for career progression, and there are some really beautiful and genuine people that you will come across.”
Her passion for the industry is evident in the energy she brings to her work and the creativity that drives her business forward. The constant innovation and new challenges keep her motivated and excited about what the future holds for both herself, and the industry.
“To work with production, sales, marketing, and venue teams and come up with our expression of the next big thing is very exciting and rewarding.”
The future of women in brewing
Wearin’s success is a shining example of what women can achieve in the beer industry. Modus Brewing, under her leadership, has not only created exceptional products but has also established a space for creative expression and innovation. She is committed to continuing to build a company that encourages diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we are reminded of the importance of Accelerating Action for gender equality, not just in the brewing industry but across all fields. Wearin’s story exemplifies the power of resilience, innovation, and commitment to creating an environment where women can thrive.
By supporting and amplifying the stories of exceptional women like Wearin, we can continue to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and equal world for women everywhere. Let’s accelerate action together and build a future where gender equality is a reality for all.