As the global culinary industry marks International Women’s Day, we recognize and celebrate the many women shaping the future of food.
Worldchefs represents a diverse network of culinary professionals as a federation of over 100 national chef associations around the world. While the profession has historically been male-dominated, women are becoming an increasingly visible and influential part of the industry. Across the Worldchefs network, member associations are helping drive this shift by launching initiatives, mentorship programs, competitions, and platforms that highlight female voices and inspiring stories worldwide.
Recruiting the Next Generation of Women in the Industry
Building a more equitable industry starts with awareness. Showing young people that hospitality offers stable, creative, and rewarding career paths is an important step in encouraging more women to enter the profession.
The Norwegian Chefs Association, Norske Kokkers Landsforening (NKL), is leading these efforts through their KIKY project. Short for Kvinner i KokkeYrket (Women in the Culinary Profession), the initiative aims to inspire girls ages 14–16 to pursue culinary education and explore opportunities in the industry. The association runs recruitment activities in secondary schools and works with a team of ambassadors, members from their association, who share their experiences and demonstrate what a career in the kitchen can actually look like.
One of these ambassadors is Kristine Hartviksen, Worldchefs’ Assistant Vice President and an active member of the Norwegian Chefs Association. Through the KIKY program, she mentors young women considering a culinary path. Her advice is simple but meaningful:
“You must trust yourself and have a mentor. We are stronger together.”
Norway’s KIKY initiative exemplifies one of many ways in which our member associations are helping to create awareness and mentor the next generation, inviting more women to consider culinary careers.
Norweigan Chefs Association
Fostering Communities and Professional Networks
As more women enter the culinary industry, building spaces for connection becomes just as important as recruitment. In a profession where men can often make up the majority in the room or kitchen, female community networks can offer mentorship, professional development, and support.
Federazione Italiana Cuochi
Worldchefs’ member in Italy, the Federazione Italiana Cuochi, has long recognized the value of these networks. Its LadyChef Network, known as Sodalizio delle LadyChef, has existed for nearly 30 years as a dedicated department within the association.
This structured network not only welcomes women into their association, but also promotes professional recognition, hosts events, and unites their members, honoring women in the kitchen.
In Mauritius, a similar activation is taking shape. The Mauritius Chefs Association recently launched its Women’s Wing, an idea proposed by its president, Mooroogun Coopen, a Worldchefs Certified Master Chef.
Worldchefs’ members are sparking change, adapting and evolving to build inclusive opportunities and networks. As more associations take similar strides, awareness grows across our global community of the importance of supporting women throughout their culinary careers.
A Focus on Visibility and Opportunities
Supporting women in the industry also means guaranteeing access to opportunities and training.
The Syrian Culinary Guild has focused on initiatives that support Arab women, many of who work preparing and selling meals from home. Through training courses and educational offers, the guild helps women strengthen their culinary skills. They are also encouraged to join culinary competitions, an opportunity to showcase their skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Moving slightly North on the map, in Georgia, female culinary voices are also made visible. The Chefs Association of Georgia was built upon a strong equitable foundation. Founded by Mia Kuprava, a leader committed to promoting Georgian gastronomy internationally, the association prioritizes equity at its core. This is also reflected in their culinary competitions, as:
“In every competition organized by the Chefs Association of Georgia, we ensure that prominent female chefs are represented on the professional jury. Their presence ensures a balanced, professional, and world-class evaluation process.”
Ensuring women are visible not only in kitchens but also in leadership and judging roles helps promote a balanced industry and puts women voices and faces at the forefront to inspire others to do the same.
Women in the Chefs Association of Georgia
Inspiring Stories of Women in Worldchefs’ Community
In addition to initiatives, programs and networks on the association level, across the Worldchefs network, inspiring individual stories also highlight the growing impact of women in the profession.
Culinary Association of Wales
In Wales, young chef Caitlin Meredith was recently named Junior Chef of Wales 2026 at just 19 years old. A student at Coleg Ceredigion, she works at Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, the country’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant. Her performance earned her a gold medal and a place in the semi-finals of the UK Young National Chef of the Year competition.
“Being named the best young chef in Wales is particularly cool and a confidence boost,” she said. “In the future I would like to become a private chef and travel the world.”
The Culinary Association of Wales was excited by this win. As their President Arwyn Watkins shared:
“Supporting chefs at every stage of their career across Wales is central to our ethos as an association. It is therefore particularly encouraging to see young women succeeding at the highest level in our national competitions, challenging long-standing stereotypes and demonstrating the exceptional talent and determination coming through the industry.”
– Arwyn Watkins OBE, President, Culinary Association for Wales
Women are in the spotlight in Montenegro, as well. Sladjana Šoć has shared her talents spending the past decade as Executive Chef at Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora. With extensive experience and a degree in Gastronomy Management, she believes that learning is the foundation of true leadership. Alongside her leadership roles, she is known for mentoring young chefs while balancing her professional career with family life.
“I am especially proud of leading the opening of a five-star hotel, a milestone I achieved as the first person from Montenegro and the first woman in that role, which until then had been reserved exclusively for foreign professionals.”
Chefs Association of Montenegro
Meanwhile, in Georgia, association founder Mia Kuprava continues to build a platform for chefs across the country. Her vision positions the chef’s jacket as not only a profession, but a commitment to culture, innovation and community.
Across our global membership, active participation and inspiring stories among women continue to grow. In Albania, for example, the the Albanian Chefs & Cooks Association reports that women now make up 46% of its membership, underscoring the ongoing industry shift.
A Bright, Equitable Future Ahead
From Wales, to Syria, Norway, Georgia and beyond, Worldchefs’ network serves as a powerful example of how together, we can drive the change and create a better future for the industry. Women are contributing to the profession in many ways, and through mentorship programs, recruitment initiatives, leadership roles and professional recognition, these efforts will break the historic stereotypes of the kitchens past and allow for an industry filled with diverse ideas and voices ahead.
Moving forward, collaboration across the global community will be key. By working together and supporting women at every stage of their careers, Worldchefs members are helping build a stronger future for the profession. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead.
Happy International Women’s Day!
