I’ve been so busy launching the new show (Drinking With The Gnome) and refreshing the website (it doesn’t look like a ton has changed… but damn – it was a TON of work) that I’ve fallen a little behind in sharing some of the stuff that I think you need to know about.
Up first I wanted to pass along an event that the Cincinnati chapter of Pink Boots society is hosting, and I want to pass it along loudly.
The group is partnering up with Women Helping Women and Cincinnati State’s Brewing Science program to host a conversation about sexual violence, including sexual assault and harassment, in the restaurant, bar and brewing industries. Maria Cole, a prevention specialist from Women Helping Women, will lead a discussion about the types of violence women might be facing in the industry, while also educating participants about tools and resources that are available.
According to Women Helping Women’s website, violence against women is a common, complex and consequential public health epidemic. It is a universal issue occurring in every culture and social group. One in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. While many of them can take action against their abusers by contacting a sexual harassment attorney, few ever press charges. Violence against women has been called “the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights abuse in the world.”
While connecting to Women Helping Women through the Queen City Certified Gender Equity Program, Betty Bollas, Pink Boots Society Cincinnati chapter leader and co-owner of Fibonacci Brewing Company said,
“After many years working in human resources and also working in the food and beverage industries, I felt it was important for our chapter to offer support and resources for women to help us build a stronger and more confident industry-wide network to rise against gender-based violence in Cincinnati and surrounding communities.”
The event will take place tomorrow, on Wednesday, March 20th at 6:00pm in the auditorium in the ATLC Building at Cincinnati State. Carla Gesell Streeter, chair of the brewing science program at the college, said,
“As the first brewing science department in the area, our focus has always been on helping to make the brewing industry more diverse. Part of that transformation is making the industry welcoming and safe for everyone. We are proud to be hosting this very important conversation to help empower women in the hospitality industries.”
To learn more about Pink Boots Society, please visit www.pinkbootssociety.org.
About Pink Boots Society
The Pink Boots Society was created to assist, inspire and encourage women beer industry professionals to advance their careers through education.