International Women’s Day took place on 8 March, with the tagline #EmbraceEquity. Companies and organisations across the automotive industry used the event as an opportunity to look at the ongoing contribution made by women in the industry. Last year, figures released by the IMI showed only 19% of employees in automotive retail were women, against a 49%/51% men/women split across other industries. Meanwhile, a 2020 study from Deloitte uncovered that 90% of women and men working in automotive believe that women are under-represented in leadership positions, with 57% of women not perceiving a desirable career path for themselves in the sector. Change is afoot though, with organisations such as the Similarly the Automotive 30% Club leading the charge. Established by Julia Muir, it aims to create a stronger gender balance within the industry, and get it to the point where at least 30% of key leadership positions in member organisations are held by women by 2030. 25 by 25 Looking to get five years ahead of the curve, LKQ Euro Car Parts used the platform of International Women’s Day to commit to having 25% of its workforce being female by the end of 2025. The 25-by-25 commitment was launched at an event for LKQ Euro Car Parts staff, hosted by Helen Robinson, LKQ Euro Car Parts’ Corporate Communications Director for UK and Ireland, and featuring keynote speaker, Ije McDougall, Founder of The Kairos Initiative and a magistrate and a HR/employment law expert. Donna Fearnley, Group HR Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “25 by 25 is an important part of our focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and our mission to create an equal and equitable environment where the best people can bring their full selves 20 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2023 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net EMBRACE EQUITY International Women’s Day 2023 provided a moment for the motor sector to salute the impact women continue to make on the industry
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