International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the accomplishments of women and
promote gender equality. The 2025 theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality.
Empowerment,” emphasizes how important it is to make significant strides towards
gender parity. Recognized by the UN since 1977, this yearly event serves as a reminder of
the progress women have made and the lengthy path to complete equality. Glass ceilings
have been broken by women in every industry, but the automobile sector has historically
seen few female leaders.
Traditionally, automotive roles have been dominated by men, with stereotypes casting the
industry as “too tough” for women. Yet, over the years, numerous female trailblazers have
defied these assumptions, occupying leadership roles, driving innovation, and steering
the future of this vital sector. Their achievements not only mark personal success but also
inspire future generations to push the boundaries of possibility.
A prime example is Mary Barra, the first female CEO of General Motors, who has
championed diversity, sustainability, and electric vehicle development. Other leaders like
Carla Bailo, CEO of the Centre for Automotive Research, and Christy Slade, Chief Marketing
Officer at Stellantis, are steering the industry toward a more innovative and sustainable
future.
Despite such examples, gender disparity in the auto industry remains limited. Research shows that women constitute nearly 30% of the global workforce but hold less than 10% of leadership positions. This gap highlights persistent biases and systemic barriers that hinder female participation in top-tier roles.
One of the most enduring myths is the outdated belief that women are “bad drivers.” However, accident data consistently shows that men are more prone to high-risk behaviours such as speeding and road rage. This calls into question the validity of such sweeping generalizations about gender and driving, revealing how much of the narrative has been shaped by societal biases rather than facts.
Beyond breaking records, women in the automotive industry are redefining innovation
and leadership. Their emphasis on empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration brings fresh
perspectives to problem-solving—an invaluable asset as the industry navigates the shift to
EVs and AI-driven autonomous driving. Female leaders are influencing technology, design,
and consumer experiences in profound ways, ensuring that mobility solutions are more
sustainable and user centric.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that while progress has been made,
much remains to be done. The auto sector exemplifies both the challenges and
opportunities in achieving gender equality. As we celebrate the achievements of female
leaders, let us also commit to breaking down the biases and barriers that remain, paving
the way for future generations of women to take their place at the wheel of change.
Anuj Sinha
CEO & Director
Future Mobility Media