LCCI lists strategies to bring more women into auto industry

LCCI lists strategies to bring more women into auto industry 

Key implementable strategies to get more women into the auto manufacturing formed the subject of discourse at a one-day symposium organised on Wednesday October 30 by the Automobile & Allied Sub-Sectoral Group in collaboration with the Women Group and LPG & Natural Gas Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The programme was held under the theme “From Tokunbo to Manufacturing: The Role of Women Breaking Barriers and Driving Growth”.
Gabriel Idahosa, president and chairman of Council at LCCI in his opening address described the event as both timely and significant, highlighting the transformative journey of the automotive industry and the pivotal role women play in its evolution, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s economic landscape.
The LCCI boss said, to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic automotive industry, several strategies should be implemented, such as deliberate establishment of mentorship programmes that could provide guidance and support for women navigating their careers in the automotive sector.
He said sponsorships could also be crucial in advancing women’s careers by providing opportunities for growth and exposure.
Idahosa said, “More importantly, companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion within their corporate culture.
“Creating an environment that acknowledges diverse perspectives can enhance innovation and employee satisfaction.”
He noted that encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields would expand the pipeline of female talent into the automotive industry.
According to him, initiatives such as the Red Bull STEMx programme are aimed at inspiring more women to enter motorsport engineering roles.
Acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of women in the automotive industry could inspire others and foster a culture of recognition, he said.
He cited the example of the Women in Supply Chain Award honouring female leaders whose accomplishments and mentorship set a foundation for ladies in the sector.
Globally, he noted that women had been instrumental in shaping the automotive industry, contributing to various facets from design and engineering to leadership and entrepreneurship.
“As of 2020, women comprise approximately 23.6% of the automotive manufacturing workforce in the United States. While this indicates progress, it also underscores the underrepresentation of women in the sector, especially in Nigeria,” Idahosa said.
Women such as Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, have demonstrated exceptional leadership, steering the company toward innovation and profitability.
Her tenure is said to exemplify the impact of female leadership in the automotive sector.
In Nigeria, women’s participation in the automotive industry has been acknowledged as growing.

Organizations such as the Women Automotive Network (WAN) are said to be active, providing professional growth and networking platforms, thereby fostering greater inclusion.
Despite the advancements, women in the automotive industry encounter several challenges, such as the automotive sector has been traditionally male-dominated.
Women are under represented in leadership roles within the industry.

The Nigerian automotive sector has reportedly undergone remarkable changes, transitioning from the dominance of used vehicle imports, commonly referred to as ‘Tokunbo,’ to a focus on local manufacturing.

This shift has been propelled by economic policies to foster industrialization and reduce import dependence.

In the LPG and downstream natural gas sector, women’s involvement is increasingly significant. Women are actively engaged in operations, from engineering to management.
Their contributions are vital to the efficiency and innovation within the sector.

The journey from ‘Tokunbo’ to local auto manufacturing in Nigeria’s automotive industry is said to signify substantial economic progress.

Women have been and continue to be instrumental in this transformation, breaking barriers and driving growth.
However, to fully realize the potential of women’s contributions, concerted efforts must be made to address existing challenges and promote inclusivity.
The automotive industry can become a more equitable and dynamic field by implementing strategic initiatives focused on mentorship, diversity, education, and recognition.

The success stories of women in automotive and allied sectors serve as inspiration and a call to action for continued advancement and support.