Suzuki Motors, Automedics to train Nigerian female auto technicians

Suzuki by CFAO Nigeria has entered into a partnership with Automedics Limited to train female auto technicians in Nigeria.

Already, the two firms have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start the Suzuki Empower Her (SEH) programme.

The SEH programme aims to empower women in the automotive industry by providing free training to those lacking the financial means but have the desire to start and build a career as technicians.

During the signing of the MoU that heralded the new partnership, which seeks to bridge the gender gap and create greater diversity in the automotive industry, Aissatou Diouf, general manager, Suzuki by CFAO expressed her appreciation to the Automedics team for offering value to the girl child and shared her delight to support the on-going work in her capacity.

She stressed that there was room for growth for women in the automotive industry and high-profile positions in society. Diouf said she was interested in making positive impact in this area.

She said, “Women are hardworking and resilient and can add as much value as their male counterparts. The problem is that most times they do not have the channels to perform, but once given a platform, they own it. They do it in the way they can because men and women are different.”

Speaking on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion for automotive businesses, Kunle Shonaike, chief executive officer, Automedics Limited, said he was passionate about training more women to operate successfully in the industry because he believes in their capabilities.

He said, “When it comes to the girl child, I am very passionate about the topic, and I have trained several women that are operating in the automotive industry, especially here in Nigeria. Some are running their workshops privately, and some are heading workshops for some organizations. At Automedics, when we have female students, I take them under my wings because I want them to be better. I believe women can do practically anything that men can do.”

The CEO, who has decades of practice experience in the United States and reputedly known to create equal and fair opportunities for women, shared his optimism about the new relationship with Suzuki by CFAO.

He described the collaboration as a perfect fit as Automedics Limited had also been a flag-bearer for promoting inclusivity in the Nigerian automotive industry.

Suzuki by CFAO has a diversified workforce with women taking up challenging roles and growing in their respective fields. It is also interesting to note that the CFAO Group has “Diversity” as one of its four core values.

According the auto company, the free SEH training will begin on August 1 to November 2022, and will last for four months and the investment is set to nurture competence and confidence through several skill development sessions.

It envisages a successful long-term partnership that will empower the females beyond training and emphasised the need for consistency.

It stated, “We don’t want to just train and let them go. We need to do a lot to empower them more. It has to be something consistent, not to show that we are doing something but to know that Suzuki and CFAO have empowered women with the skills they need for their professional insertion”.

“The Suzuki Empower Her (SEH) programme is an industry initiative that further reiterates a

commitment to allowing women to grow and make a mark in the automotive industry, which is predominantly male-driven.

“The initiative will not only provide opportunity, empowerment, and security but will inspire others in the sector to join forces to expand their footprints across Nigeria with many more programmes to achieve gender parity.”