Gender equality and the auto industry

Let’s be clear. Addressing gender equality in the workplace is a small part of the complex equality matrix we face in Australia. Ignorance and entrenched attitudes compound an already unfathomable task that for so long has been poorly addressed. The impact of gender inequality is far reaching — beyond boardroom representation — and it’s a significant contributing factor to domestic violence against women.

In 2016 an average of two women per week were killed as a result of domestic violence, reports anti-violence advocate and former Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty.

In 2017, International Women’s Day asks for people to “Be Bold for Change” –striving for gender equality in the workplace, delivering economic empowerment and building a positive foundation for future generations.

Not only are women often under represented, but they are under paid in comparison to their male colleagues. In 2016, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency reported the full-time gender pay gap was 17.3% average in favour of men. Think about whether you are prepared to tell your daughter that she is worth less -- because she is female.

The automotive industry has been the target of equality discussions for some time. Sexist attitudes towards women, their wealth and decision-making are still being beaten out of some parts of this industry. In a male-dominated industry, bold comes easily, but what about when it counts?

On International Women’s Day motoring.com.au asked prominent men within the automotive and motor sport industry about equality, gender balance in their workplace and the messages the need to be heard on International Women’s Day.

Engineering equality
Presenter and motor sport commentator for over a decade, Greg Rust has witnessed many changes within a sport that has for so long been skewed towards males.

“Probably the most satisfying thing is – while there’s a push for equality – our teams are about best practice and best person for the job. If you look at Red Bull, its senior engineer Romy Maher has great experience abroad. In her own right she’s very talented.”

Rust is a staunch supporter of gender equality, but not simply for equality sake.

“In all sorts of facets of our business from television through to the frontline of the sport itself, there are women there and they are there because they have the best skills for the job. It’s not tokenistic.” says Rust.

On the topic of being bold for change, Rust says: “With something as important as this you should be comfortable… Have the courage to say that some things are not okay. Don’t walk away. Stand up.”

Action CAMS
A male dominated organisation, gender balance at the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) is 60/40 male/female split, currently with two women on the senior management team.

Former motoring.com.au contributor Tom Reynolds is General Manager Media & Communications for CAMS, and concedes motorsports has a history of being a ‘boys club’.

“It has taken a long time for pioneering women to break down the barriers that existed. At CAMS we are clear in our determination to make our organisation more gender inclusive and by extension our wider industry.

“This is not inclusiveness for inclusiveness sakes. We believe that a broader organisation is a more capable and more collectively intelligent.”

“We started the Women of Australian Motor Sport [WAMS] founded in 2010 to act as an interface with the FIA Women & Motor Sport Commission [WMC]. Our mission is to increase female participation in all disciplines and positions within motor sport in Australia.” says Reynolds.

Brand management
Move to Audi Australia and you’ll find a workforce that is 42 per cent female, with a clear policy of pay equity regardless of gender for all roles.

When asked about an inspiring female role model, Andrew Doyle, Managing Director for Audi Australia lists Michelle Obama.

“She carried herself with such poise and confidence, managed to balance the roles of office with the roles of family, and strongly spoke out about equality and the importance of investing in, and valuing oneself.”

With two young daughters (and a son), Doyle says: “this [IWD] reminds us globally of the importance of supporting any practice or endeavour that leads to the positive reinforcement of women as role models and leaders of industry and the world going forward. That’s a world I am really happy for my daughters to grow up in!”

Audi showed its ‘bold’ approach to make equality a topic for conversation with its controversial Superbowl advert “Daughter”, which left no doubt about Audi’s stance on the need for change.

Value statements
Swedish manufacturer Volvo is another who is serous about workplace equality Down Under.

Kevin McCann, Managing Director Volvo Car Australia (where the workforce is one third female) says: “It is part of our global ethics and values statement to be inclusive and equal. We have to report, on a quarterly basis, specifically on the gender mix of our team.”

Mazda Australia also has equality on its agenda.

“In such a traditionally male industry, we are constantly striving for greater balance in our workforce. We currently have a 70:30 male-to-female split in our executive team, and 75:25 gender mix with our staff nationally,” says Martin Benders, Managing Director for Mazda Australia.

And the message Benders would like people to take home on IWD?

“The sooner we treat each other as people [humans] irrespective of gender, race, colour or sexual orientation, the sooner we can live and work in a much happier and productive world.”

In Australia, the talk on gender equality is promising. However being ‘bold’ is hard. The progress is slow.

By embracing equality and empowering women (socially and economically), we build a world that is stronger, more vibrant and more productive. Families thrive and businesses grow, the economy improves and greater humanity prevails.

In this day and age, isn’t that what we all want? No matter what industry you work in, demand equality.

If you’re a man, say it loudly. #beboldforchange