Frequently Asked Questions
Women In Automotive Overview
Women in Automotive (WIA) is an organisation dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the automotive industry. It aims to create an environment that atracts and nurtures diverse talent,
recognising that inclusivity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage in today's competitive landscape.
Despite women representing half of the consumers in the automotive industry, their representation in the workforce remains disproportionately low, currently standing at only 17%, as highlighted by
Infometrics New Zealand. In response to this disparity, five organisations within the industry came together in 2021 with a shared purpose: to drive change and foster a more inclusive environment
within the automotive sector. These organisations include the Collision Repair Association, Driven Car Guide, Motor Industry Association, MITO, and the Motor Trade Association.
Accord Overview
The Women in Automotive Accord signifies a commitment by organisations within the New Zealand automotive industry to join forces in promoting diversity and inclusion. By signing the Accord, organisations pledge to work together towards common goals, such as increasing female workforce participation, advancing women into leadership positions, and cultivating inclusive workplace
cultures. This commitment is more than just symbolic; it entails taking concrete actions and measures to drive meaningful change within the industry. Through collaboration and shared accountability, signatories of the Accord strive to create a more equitable and vibrant automotive sector where everyone can thrive.
By becoming a member of Women in Automotive, your organisation can access tailored resources and opportunities aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the automotive sector.
You gain insights, best practices, and strategies to empower women in all industry roles. Additionally, membership provides a platform for collaboration, enabling you to connect with like-minded professionals, forge partnerships, and demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion, enhancing your brand reputation as an inclusive business.
Women in Automotive plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the automotive industry by championing diversity and inclusion. We recognise the significance of attracting and retaining top talent from diverse backgrounds to drive innovation and adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Through our initiatives and advocacy efforts, we strive to ensure that the automotive sector reflects the diversity of its customer base, fostering inclusive workplace cultures where everyone can thrive.
Studies have consistently shown that organisations with inclusive cultures outperform their counterparts in various key metrics.
According to a study by Bersin by Deloite, summarised in a WhatWorks brief, companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion are six times more likely to predict and adapt to change, six times more likely to be innovative, and twice as likely to exceed financial
targets.
By embracing diversity and fostering inclusive environments, automotive companies can enhance their competitiveness, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth.
Women in Automotive empowers organisations to take a leadership position on diversity and inclusion by providing guidance, support, and resources every step of the way.
Through our collective efforts, we aim to elevate the visibility of women in the automotive industry, advocate for meaningful change, and inspire bold action.
By joining forces with Women in Automotive, your organisation can play a pivotal role in driving positive transformation and leaving a lasting legacy for leaders and the industry as a whole in New Zealand.
By signing the accord, each organisation is agreeing to the declaration and delivering on the commitments of the Women in Automotive New Zealand Accord.
If your organisation becomes a member, you'll commit to the seven key initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. However, Women in Automotive understands that this is a journey, and not every organisation will immediately excel in every commitment. The focus is on embracing the journey, being transparent about progress, so that others can offer support and learn from your experiences.
Success in adhering to the Accord's principles is gauged through yearly reports submited to Women in Automotive, alongside completion of an annual survey and CEO attendance at the Accord Summit.
Membership is renewed annually. There is an option not to renew at this time. To cease or pause membership at this time, organisations need to submit a request to this effect in writing.
The membership term for Women in Automotive begins on July 1st each year and ends on June 30th of the following year, constituting a 12-month period.
Payments are made to MTA for Women in Automotive membership as MTA currently acts as the secretariat for WIA. This arrangement supports administrative functions while WIA is in its infancy.
Women in Automotive aims for CEOs to become signatories to take the lead in championing gender diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organisations. Bycommitting at the highest level, CEOs demonstrate a genuine dedication to fostering change and driving progress towards gender equality in the automotive industry.
The Women in Automotive consortium is made up of industry volunteers. Your membership fee contributes towards key initiatives including support collateral, data insights, impact measurement efforts, events and design and marketing.
WIA will measure success by:
- Increasing the overall industry representation of women from 17% to 30% by 2030.
- Elevating women's representation in leadership roles across the industry.
- Leading and measuring the adoption of an inclusive culture throughout the industry, while also fostering inclusive leadership as a fundamental industry capability.
As Women in Automotive is primarily supported by industry volunteers, we’re always looking for volunteers with additional skillsets and networks, as well as contributions to the programmes and initiatives we are committed to delivering. Please reach out to Women in Automotive info@womeninautomotive.nz or one of our consortium partners for more information on how to get involved and/or available programme sponsorships (for example, event sponsorships).
Annual fee per annum (+GST) by business size (FTE):
- 1 to 4, $150
- 5 to 15, $300
- 16 to 30, $400
- 31 to 50, $600
- 51 to 150, $1000
- 151 to 300, $2000
- 301 to 500, $3000
- 501 plus, $5000
