The female presence in the global automotive industry

Mexico. As every year, March 8 marks International Women's Day, a global celebration that seeks to grow the empowerment of women, as well as strengthen the participation they have in society on an equal footing with men. And, without a doubt, a sector that has always been on the "male side", but little by little has broken stereotypes is the automotive industry.

However, for a woman it is not an easy task to make her way in this industry. And this, reveals a study done by Deloitte where, it is ensured that the main reasons why women avoid inserting themselves in this sector are: unattractive work environment, lack of balance between life and work and an inflexible schedule. But, the above is put in weight by undeniable differentiators of working women such as: their ease to work in a team, to relate, their vision to face difficulties and their empathy, qualities that make them key pieces for organizations and the social environment.

And in Mexico, according to data from INEGI, it points out that only 24% of the employees who work in the manufacture of motor vehicles and auto parts are female, while, in the marketing of vehicles, women only represent 18% of the total workforce.

And well, the above is only context, because companies like Grupo Surman, a leader in the automotive sector with more than 35 years and 106 dealerships in the country, has made a difference by recognizing the work of all its collaborators by contributing to the automotive industry, this, with actions such as: Surman Talks- Powerful Women, an event that seeks to promote the leadership of women in Surman, Talks on women's empowerment, round tables to ensure best practices to promote gender equality and channels of communication of complaints.

In addition to this, it should be noted that within the managerial and managerial positions today 32% are occupied by women, and, in particular, Alejandra Enríquez, Director of Administration and Finance at Grupo Surman this 2022 was selected by Expansión magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in business. Undoubtedly, a precedent for women in the industry, an example of empowerment and leadership.

"It is essential to carry out a change in the organizational culture, that companies are aware of whether the wage gap occurs and if they have any mechanism that eliminates that situation, detecting the real difficulties that can prevent the advancement of substantive equality in management positions. Speaking of equity, the best headline will be the one that is not news," said Alejandra Enríquez, Director of Administration and Finance at Grupo Surman.