A Look Back at the Inaugural IWD Industry Breakfast
This March, Melbourne played host to a landmark event in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry—the inaugural International Women's Day (IWD) Industry Breakfast. Themed "Accelerating Progress for Women in Automotive," the event spotlighted the essential roles, remarkable achievements, and ongoing contributions of women in this dynamic sector.
A collaborative effort spearheaded by major industry players— GUD, GPC, Gates, Bapcor, in partnership with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA)—the breakfast brought together close to 100 amazingly talented women contributing, influencing and shaping the industry. This gathering not only celebrated the strides made by women in automotive but also underscored the collective commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the industry.
A Meeting of Minds and Motivation
The morning was abuzz with energy and enthusiasm as industry professionals from various facets of the automotive world came together. The setting was perfect for networking, with people exchanging ideas and sharing their experiences in a collaborative atmosphere. The event's theme, "Accelerating Progress for Women in Automotive," was not just a nod to the progress already made but also a call to action for accelerating gender diversity in the industry.
Insights from Lucy Bloom
The highlight of the event was an inspiring talk by Lucy Bloom, a renowned figure known for her impactful work in business, leadership, and philanthropy. Lucy shared her journey, peppering her narrative with the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. Her stories of innovative leadership and daring career shifts were not just motivational but also reflective of the broader potential within the sector for transformative growth.
Lucy’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women in leadership roles. Her call to action was clear: to innovate, inspire, and ignite change, encouraging a supportive environment where women’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.
GUD's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
GUD brings focus to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) under our Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy within the Thriving People Pillar, and as an enabler of our GUD values. GUD's DEI plan prioritises diversifying thought, by increasing women, ethnicities, and younger talent. Simultaneously, it values existing employees, strengthening pathways for older individuals to continue contributing to our workplaces.
GUD is dedicated to fostering workplaces where everyone is valued and treated equitably. Recognizing historical male dominance in our industry, we acknowledge that there is work to be done to achieve a more balanced workforce at all levels within our organisation.
A Unifying Effort for Greater Change
The coordination between GUD, GPC, Bapcor, Gates, and the AAAA was a testament to the power of collaboration. By coming together, these businesses have set a new standard for how events like these can play a crucial role in driving social change within the industry. Their joint effort highlighted the importance of unity in pushing the boundaries and expanding the roles of women in automotive.
Looking Forward
The success of the inaugural IWD Industry Breakfast marks just the beginning of a sustained push towards greater inclusivity and belonging. The discussions initiated and the connections made have laid a robust foundation for future initiatives aimed at empowering women across the industry.
The message from the day was clear: while much has been achieved, there is still much to do. The commitment displayed by the industry’s leading companies and professionals at the event is a promising sign of what’s to come. As we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to foster an environment that not only welcomes but also elevates women, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and lead.
GUD’s Chief People Officer, Barbara Harrison commented “Our collaboration in bringing this event together was a celebration, a declaration, and a step forward all at once. It reminded us that while individual efforts are crucial, collective action is the key to making lasting changes. Here’s to more such gatherings that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the vital role of women in the automotive industry!”
Let’s keep the wheels moving forward, accelerating progress not just on International Women's Day but every day.
