Why Being a Female-Led Business in Hospitality Matters
This year’s International Women’s Day panel wasn’t just a celebration — it was a call to action. A reminder that while progress has been made, there’s still work to do when it comes to supporting women in hospitality and ensuring female voices are heard, valued and represented at every level.
At Dinner Ladies, we’re incredibly proud to be a female-led catering company operating with a 100% female kitchen team. But we also know that simply existing in this space isn’t enough. We want to lead by example, to show what’s possible when women support women and to help build a better, more inclusive industry for everyone.
The Gender Gap in Hospitality Leadership
Although women make up around 50% of the hospitality workforce, just 15% are in leadership roles. That disparity underlines exactly why being a female-owned food business still matters. It’s not just about having a seat at the table, it’s about reshaping the table altogether.
We use food as a force for good. Whether that’s creating a supportive workplace culture, mentoring future female leaders, or collaborating with like-minded businesses — our goal is to uplift and empower through every part of what we do.
The Power of Community
Our IWD panel this year brought together a powerhouse group of women from across the hospitality world. Each one brought honesty, insight, and an unwavering commitment to making space for others. This wasn’t just a discussion, it was a demonstration of what happens when women in this industry come together to lift each other up.
We were honoured to be joined by:
● Louisa O’Connor, Seen Presents
● Eva Phelan, Heaps + Stacks
● Ren Patel, Ren’s Kitchen
● Lauren Linford, Home Hospitality
● Dani Tucker, Social Kitchen
From navigating bias and burnout to celebrating success and creating safe spaces at work, the conversations were real and deeply inspiring.
We were also proud to be supported on the day by some of our amazing female-founded suppliers — a powerful reminder that community is everything. Behind every success story is a network of women who’ve shown up for each other, championed each other, and shared the load.
Why Female-Led Catering Companies Make a Difference
If you’re an event organiser searching for a female-led catering company that delivers more than just great food, you’ve found us. At Dinner Ladies, we care deeply — about what we cook, how we work, and who we partner with. We understand how important it is to work with people who share your values.
Hiring a women-owned food business means more than ticking a diversity box. It means supporting inclusive leadership, ethical kitchens, sustainability, and a culture where care and creativity are core to every dish and delivery.
Let’s Build This Together
International Women’s Day may be one moment in the calendar, but for us, this mission is year-round. We want to keep building this community — a space where women in hospitality are supported, championed, and empowered to lead.
Whether you're planning a product launch, a corporate lunch, or a large-scale event, we’d love to work with you — not just as a catering partner, but as part of a bigger movement towards equity and connection in this industry.
