Only the fifth woman to recieve the honour, Jane Thomson, founder of the Australian Women in Wine Awards (AWIWA) and The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to oenology.
Well-known for her work advocating for diversity in the wine industry, the former psychologist turned wine communicator has given many women a voice over the past 11 years.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. To be recognised was such a surprise, and I’m thrilled to be able to further celebrate and draw attention to the work of women in the wine industry,” said Thomson.
Jeni Port, Wine Writer and AWIWA board member said before Thomson threw her hat in the ring, there was little discussion about diversity and inclusion in Australia’s heavily male-dominant wine industry.
“Women enter the industry in strong numbers but leave way too soon. They need female role models and leadership to succeed, and Jane provides this. She is one of the strongest, most accomplished women I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Port.
Rebekah Richardson, fellow AWIWA board member and Winemaker, said: “Jane’s focus on lifting up all women in wine benefits the whole industry. She has provided a platform and the energy to make sure that the amazing women within wine don’t go unnoticed.”
Discouraged by gender inequality in senior roles, talent drain, pay gap issues and a lack of support for women in wine, Thomson was inspired to launch AWIWA to bring wider attention to these issues.
“In the face of scepticism and opposition, Jane has remained steadfast in her mission to empower women and create opportunities for their advancement,” said Sarah Collingwood, former AWIWA board member and CEO of Four Winds Vineyard.
But it’s not plain sailing from here, warns Thomas. “The talent drain of women in the industry won’t be fixed by just talking and believing in diversity, it needs funding. Without it we won’t have a diversity of people in top decision-making roles, and we will lack the innovative and strategic thinking necessary to see us through the challenges we are facing now and in the future,” she said.
Only last week, Thomas called out the lack of diversity at the Wine Australia CEO task force committee, which included one woman out of 16 members called together to discuss the industry’s future.
Thomson hopes this award will encourage more regional women and women in STEM and agriculture to be nominated and recognised. “You can’t be what you can’t see, and I hope this award inspires other women to pursue their chosen career with passion and persistence,” she said.
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