As International Women’s Day (March 8) pushes for greater gender equality across the sciences, there’s at least one facet of the STEM sector where women are beginning to outnumber men.

They may be underrepresented in some science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science (STEM) disciplines, but women have been steadily increasing their numbers in the fields of winemaking and grape growing.

Over the last three years, 58.1 per cent of graduates from Brock University’s Oenology and Viticulture (OEVI) program have been female, with 62.5 per cent earning a Bachelor of Science in Oenology and Viticulture and 53.3 per cent graduating with a certificate in Grape and Wine Technology.

To put that into context, a 2011 Stats Can report on gender differences in Canadian universities showed women accounted for just 39 per cent of STEM graduates aged 25 to 34. For non-STEM programs, women accounted for 66 per cent of university graduates. Globally, the United Nations says only 22 per cent of those working in the sciences are women.

At Brock, the pattern of women graduating from the OEVI program is likely to continue in the future as just over 60 per cent of current students in the program are women.

Brock alumna Emma Garner (BSc, ’04), currently one of four winemakers at Thirty Bench winery in Beamsville, is one example of a female graduate who has found career success in the industry since completing the program.

Garner, who was last year’s Ontario Winemaker of the Year, said the industry has historically had a greater focus on men.

“However, in recent years there has been a swing towards showcasing women. And there are so many fantastic female producers — winemakers, owners, promoters — working in all aspects of the industry and making substantial contributions.”

This shift has also been noticed by Debbie Inglis, the Director of Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI).

Within CCIOVI itself, seven of nine full-time staff members are female, as are many of the flagship research institute’s researchers and research assistants. And all of the graduate students currently working with Inglis this year are also female.

She said maintaining diversity is key to remaining competitive in such a demanding and innovative industry.

“As more women continue with careers in science, they act as mentors and role models for the next generation, stimulating even more interest in these career options for young women peering into the future,” said Inglis. “It is very rewarding to see the valued contribution that women are making in the grape and wine industry, from winemakers to vineyard operations to research positions.”

Garner agrees.

“Every time I encounter another woman who is trying to work in this industry — which is so intense — as well as balance a healthy lifestyle, care for a family and herself, I am inspired.”