Mobility Outlook, the mobility-ecosystem focused platform of CarTrade Tech, offering insightful perspectives on automotive, aviation, railways and maritime, commemorated the spirit of women in the automobile industry by hosting the first edition of ‘Women in Mobility- Celebrating Women- Empowered, Everyday!’
While the world over, International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March, Mobility Outlook believes that women need to be celebrated every single day and not just on ONE particular day.
The idea of the event was to put women in the centre of the changing needs of mobility as they are considered to have different needs and behaviours when it comes to transportation.
Keeping in mind the contribution of some of the most successful and powerful women in the automobile industry, Mobility Outlook launched a Coffee Table Book capturing the success stories of these triumphant and empowering women.
Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motors India, said, The Women in Mobility initiative by Mobility Outlook resonates with our values and culture. Women in Mobility Coffee Table Book is the best felicitation.”
Gupta continued that standing on four brand pillars, Innovation, Community, Experience and Diversity, MG Motor India today has 37% women of the total people across the board in the organisation. “The aim is take this to 50% by December, 2023,” he added. Notably, Gayatri Bhoi at MG Motor India is India’s first woman painter.
The automaker’s numerous efforts are aimed at assisting women. He said that the company’s ‘Drive Her Back’ campaign assists women looking for new opportunities after a professional break, while its programme GENESIS aims to build a unique train-and-hire programme geared at empowering our women in the country.
He added that MG Motor India had educated 27,000 girl children under WORTH WAITING FOR programme in collaboration with IMPACT.
Saritha Iyer, Head India Finance, Visteon India, said that the company truly believes in gender diversity. “We have 35% women in the workforce at our Chennai plant, with many teams led by women. Most of our technical teams are driven by women,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Banwari Lal Sharma, CEO, CarTrade Tech said, “In my life, women are far more empowered than I am. We were exceedingly delighted to host such a wonderful event; this is a great way to facilitate as well as bring together the women of change in the automobile industry and thank them for their contribution. Understanding women in other fields has just begun, and the automobile industry is not far behind. I hope that the Coffee Table book inspires million other women and girls out there to be a part of the automobile industry in the country and across the world because women are the future, and we need to celebrate them every day.
Vinkesh Gulati, President, FADA, said, “Women in Mobility is really an eye-opener. I think everybody will go back home taking the message.” He added that MG Motor is a role model in diversity.
Sharing her thoughts on Women in Mobility, Shradha Suri Marwah, MD, Subros and Vice President, ACMA, said, “Once women come in to the foray, there is no looking back, sky is the limit. At ACMA we are extremely happy to empower women.”
While Ujjwala Karle, Deputy Director, ARAI, added, “I like this concept. It is exceptional and different. I would love to see more women standing up for themselves.”
Rashmi Urdhwareshe, President, SAEIndia, said, “It feels wonderful to be standing here among other women leaders. It has been a wonderful journey.”
“This is not just about the award. Women in Mobility initiative by Mobility Outlook will encourage a lot of women to make a difference in the mobility sector,” Gowri Kailasam, President, Rane Madras, added.
Dr Manaswini Rath, VP & Global Head - AD, KPIT, said, “All of us have made it because of our talent and hard work.
“It gives a lot of encouragement to be standing here,” said, Pamela Tikku, Chief Business Officer, International Centre of Automotive Technology (ICAT).
Sakshi Vij, Founder and CEO, Myles, sharing her views, said, “I belong to a start-up where we pitch to people. If this room was a start-up where Mobility Outlook was pitching Women in Mobility, there will be no shortage of proof of concepts.”
Dr Rupali Sharma, Chairperson & Co-Founder, Okinawa Autotech, said, “Sometimes I feel that why we even talk about women empowerment. They are part of the society, and of the creation. We should talk about giving them equal opportunities.”
With the conclusion of the first season of Women in Mobility, the portal announced the commencement of the second season. Sharma noted, “In the second year of the programme, we would like to introduce “Champions of Women Empowerment” encompassing OEMs, Suppliers and Start-ups.”