Five wheel women to watch in 2019

The male-dominated automotive industry is not unique in its desire to achieve gender balance in the work force. We do, however, have some unique stories to tell about amazing women carving it up in the face of an industry that sees a woman’s share of voice vastly under represented.

While carsales’ own content team is four women strong in its share of voice, there are several special others with whom we’re willing to share the limelight on International Women’s Day… Because we truly are more powerful together.

Starting with carsales own, Matthews who lives and breathes cars with an automotive career spanning over 13 years.

In 2019, Matthews juggles the demanding roles of contributing journalist to the carsales editorial team, co-owner of The Garage Woodend, mum to two teenage boys and has recently launched her own advice site One Lady Owner.

“I see it as part of my job as a garage owner to educate drivers on what can happen if cars don't get serviced on time. There are financial implications if the car fails but also safety implications if tyres and brakes go unchecked.” says Matthews.

We’re yet to find something Andrea can’t do.

Hayes is an experienced journalist and the founder of Madam Wheels, an online resource for women who love luxury cars. She admits that for some women there’s still “a bit of a stigma” where a love of cars is concerned, and that where luxury car purchases are concerned, women are less inclined to ‘reward’ themselves in the same way as a man does.

“There’s no rational reason why women should have any trouble, either,” says Hayes, who will even help seal the deal for you if you’re that way inclined.

Sassy, successful and partial to Louboutins, Jacquie’s voice is one of power and great perspective.

Hobbs found her passion project in a different way. Cars introduced Hobbs to the idea of freedom, like nothing else.

“I often spent my time daydreaming about the places I could go, the people I could meet, the things I could see… If I had a car of my own. It’s all very liberating when you think about it.” says Hobbs, a self-confessed tech nerd and avid photographer who uses Instagram (@andreamichelleindy) to connect with her cohort.

“For me, I treat my Instagram page like a community. I want to have conversations.” she says.

And as for Hobbs’ content, she’s focused on inclusive conversation to nurture balance.

Her words of advice to women wanting to enter the world of motoring? “… if you can’t find those opportunities – don’t wait for them – make them yourself. You’ll be surprised where you might end up if you try.”

Did we mention Andrea’s in her 20s?

Clifford goes where no sane adult ventures by choice, nor should they – kids in cars. Her Babydrive.com.au talks all things cars and kids – the good, the bad and the unhygienic.

A children’s clothing designer by trade, Clifford had good insight to the consumer mindset of parents. Having her own child with her motoring journalist husband was the pivotal moment in her career.

“Cars took on a whole new meaning for me as a new mum because our daughter hated being in the car and I had to install her child seat into a different car each week then try and fit a stroller, shopping, etc into them and not wake my car-hating baby with all the modern beeps and warnings!” Clifford told carsales.

Likening a mum’s relationship with her car to that of a tradie and their ute, it was the trusty mum’s network where Tace would initially impart her learning. Add the internet… and the rest is history.

In complete contrast, blog turn sophisticated e-mag Driven Women Magazine is the passion project of a born enthusiast. Helen [no surname!] grew up in a family of vintage car enthusiasts.

“My first ‘poster car’ that I remember was a Honda Prelude. I went through a Subaru WRX phase and then I was bitten by the expensive car bug and now I dream of owning a black Ferrari Italia 458.” she admits.

Working on the premise of “why should they have all the fun?” a career in the motoring world was the only answer and Drive Women Magazine was born, with issue three on sale now.

Helen does not take no for an answer.

While it’s obvious we have much to celebrate, these are baby steps. Australia still suffers a profound level of ignorance around gender equality and its far-reaching impact including the role inequality plays in breeding domestic violence against women.

Equality is not a women’s issue, but a shared responsibility and International Women’s Day 2019 ‘More powerful together’ theme calls upon everyone to embrace equality and strive for balance – not only in the workplace but as part of your everyday lives.

With true balance, greater humanity will prevail.