On the occasion of International Women’s and Gender Minorities’ Rights Day this Saturday, March 8, we would like to celebrate three exceptional women who have made an impact on the gastronomy scene in 2024-2025. Their journeys illustrate both the progress made and the ongoing challenges for women in the hospitality industry.
1. Marlene Vieira and Rita Magro: first Portuguese female Michelin-starred chefs in three decades
In February 2025, Marlene Vieira and Rita Magro became the first Portuguese female chefs in 30 years to receive a Michelin star. Marlene Vieira, leading her own culinary project in Lisbon, and Rita Magro, head chef at Blind in Porto, have made their mark in an industry still largely dominated by men. Their success marks a turning point for Portuguese haute cuisine.
2. Nina Métayer: World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2024
At just 36 years old, Nina Métayer was named “World’s Best Pastry Chef” in 2024 by The World’s Best Restaurants. Her journey is a true lesson in perseverance: after discovering her passion for baking during a stay in Mexico, she climbed the ranks of French pastry, working in prestigious establishments before launching her own business, La Délicatisserie.
3. Adejoké Bakare: first Black female Michelin-starred chef in the UK
Originally from Nigeria, Adejoké Bakare moved to the UK in 1999 and opened her restaurant Chishuru in London in 2020. Specializing in modern West African cuisine, her establishment was awarded a Michelin star in February 2024, making her the first Black female chef in the UK to receive this recognition. A powerful symbol of diversity and inclusion in British gastronomy.
Ongoing challenges for women in hospitality
Despite these achievements, women in the hospitality industry still face numerous challenges. They remain underrepresented in leadership positions and continue to struggle with gender stereotypes, wage gaps, and the difficulty of balancing work and personal life.
According to a recent study, in most kitchen brigades, women make up between 31% and 50% of the workforce, but only 51.3% of them report having experienced positive career growth in the past five years. It is therefore crucial to continue paving the way and advocating for real gender parity in the industry.
Our commitment to a more inclusive future
At Choux de Bruxelles, we are proud to have many talented women on our team. Whether in the kitchen, decoration, event services, sales, or marketing, they contribute daily to shaping the identity and excellence of our house.
We firmly believe that talent and passion should be the only criteria for success, regardless of gender.
