How do we get more women into the car industry? That was one of the main topics we discussed at last week’s Women’s Forum where a delegation of more than 30 people from Renault-Nissan took part.
This was the sixth Women’s Forum and we consider it a very important platform for a genuine exchange of views on how women can have meaningful careers in industry while – if they want to – juggling with the demanding balance of family life.
One of our challenges is to change the stereotype that dictates that women are not interested in technology, including cars which is why the Alliance used the Forum to showcase the development process of a car from the design stage to engineering and production.
And if we are going to have more women in key roles in industry we have to start the process of having more women at the lower levels, make sure women are part of our succession planning, and make sure we keep women in the company by giving them equal opportunities regardless of maternity leave.
But to bring more women into our business is a long-term process that needs the full support of top management which is why our CEO Carlos Ghosn is such a strong supporter of the WF.
This led to what many delegates thought was one of the highlights of the Forum when during an open session, Mr Ghosn and US environmentalists Jessy Tolkan had a lively debate ; you can follow it on YouTube at these links:
Part 1 - click here
Part 2 - click here
Part 3 - click here
Part 4 - click here
Do find time to watch it because it was a really worthwhile and exhilarating exchange.
That evening, as the Forum came to a close, we had another highlight – for me at least! – when, on behalf of the Alliance, I presented the Women for Education Awards.
We were joined on stage by two of our ten recipients from Haiti and it really was a unique and moving experience to be with these courageous girls who will complete their studies in France with the support of the Alliance before returning to Haiti to help rebuild the country.
We were also inspired by the testimony, thanks to the L’Oréal Foundation, of Aimee Mullins from the US who, despite having both legs amputated as a child, has gone on to become a model, athlete and actress. A remarkable woman who made many of us feel very humble.
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