Tea has been shaped by women for centuries. They introduced it to new regions, fought for fair labor conditions, and built businesses that changed the industry. Their impact is still felt today.
Catherine of Braganza: The Queen Who Made Tea British
Catherine of Braganza was a Portuguese princess. In 1662, she married King Charles II of England. She brought her love of tea with her.
At the time, tea was a luxury in England. Catherine made it fashionable. The British aristocracy followed her lead. Within decades, tea became the national drink of England.
Tea Workers of Assam: The Women Who Fought for Fair Wages
Women have long been the backbone of the tea industry. They worked in harsh conditions on plantations in India and Sri Lanka.
In 1921 and 1928, female tea workers in Assam led strikes. They demanded better wages and working conditions. Their protests laid the foundation for labor rights in the industry.
Tea remains a multi-billion-dollar industry. Many tea pickers are still women.
Ruth Bigelow: The Entrepreneur Who Revolutionized Tea in America
In 1945, Ruth Bigelow launched Constant Comment, one of the first flavored teas in the U.S. She built a business from her home kitchen.
At the time, Americans drank mostly black tea. Bigelow changed that. Her success helped expand the specialty tea market. Today, Bigelow Tea is one of the largest family-owned tea companies in the U.S.
Women of the Japanese Tea Ceremony: Masters of Tradition
Women in Japan have played a central role in the tea ceremony (Chanoyu) for centuries. They preserved the ritual and passed it down through generations.
Some became tea masters. They led schools and trained others in the precise art of tea preparation. Their influence helped establish the tea ceremony as a respected cultural practice worldwide.
The Lasting Impact of Women in Tea
Women shaped tea culture through leadership, labor, and innovation. Their contributions continue today in tea farms, businesses, and cultural traditions.
Every cup of tea has a story. Many of those stories begin with women.