Why we need more women in the motor industry - SIMI conference

Published on 19 September, 2018

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently hosted its fifth annual Women@SIMI event.

Overview

THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently hosted its fifth annual Women@SIMI event.

More than 160 motor industry professional women from all over the country attended, making it the largest to date.

Representing a huge cross-section of motor-related industries, they heard speakers address items such as the challenges Brexit poses for country and motoring.

However, the need for the industry to change its perspective on women emerged as the key theme.

Francesca McDonagh, chief executive Bank of Ireland (sponsor of the event), highlighted the uncertainty around Brexit and the problems it is creating for businesses.

She also spoke of the need for more senior female leaders in all sectors and industries.

My motoring journalist colleague, Geraldine, Herbert gave an impressive outline of her views.

She claimed advertising needed to "reflect women, images need to show women, but the industry needs to employ more women. Role models and females must be visible in the industry".

She highlighted what she called a talent crisis across the industry. Electric, self-driving cars, shifting consumer preferences and increasing regulatory pressures are creating a complex environment, and there are compelling reasons for women to be a part of that, she said.

Geraldine added that women represent a critical, but under-represented, resource capable of helping automotive companies to take competitive advantage.

Women have "great intuition", she said, and "can handle" big changes extremely well.

At a time when the car industry is facing massive change, it is important for young women to see female role models working within the industry.

"We need to communicate that the automotive world is not just for men," Geradline said.

Motivational speaker Gerry Hussey spoke of not being afraid to ask 'why?' in what we do.

SIMI president Gerard O'Farrell acknowledged the importance of recruiting top talent and encouraging both female and male executives to become more actively involved in helping to change the perception of careers within the industry.

He believes there are emerging opportunities for Ireland to position itself as a centre of excellence for software engineering within the automotive industry and to become a world leader in the field.