Australian organisation Women in Automotive has new leadership

From left: Nadine Armstrong, Rachel Reed-Butler and Kate Peck. Photo: Supplied

Women in Automotive, an Australian organisation promoting and supporting female and non-binary participation in the car industry, is embarking on a new era of growth under new leadership.

PR guru Rachel Reed-Butler, motoring journalist Nadine Armstrong, and motorsport presenter Kate Peck are the new leadership team that has taken up the reins of Women in Automotive from the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) on March 1.

The now independently-run, Women in Automotive will completely overhaul its corporate identity and membership offering as it supercharges its campaign to combat inequalities and lack of opportunity for women and non-binary individuals in one of Australia's largest industries.

“Women continue to be underpaid and underrepresented in the Australian Automotive Industry, from apprenticeships to boardrooms,” said Reed-Butler.

“When women do find a place, studies by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency have shown that the gender gap on total remuneration is still around 19 percent.”

Reed-Butler acknowledged that the Automotive Industry has improved in recent years, but “more work is needed to make it truly inclusive”.

"The Australian Automotive Industry has taken great strides in transitioning from its male-dominated roots into a more inclusive and supportive career choice for all Australians, but we've really only seen the first steps.”

This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of Women in Automotive, established by the VACC in 1999. Women in Automotive reaches 10,500 people through its various platforms and touchpoints and has plans to grow this number considerably, starting with a national expansion of its membership base and events calendar.

"We know first-hand the challenges that women face in this vibrant and growing industry, and we've seen how fostering collaboration, education and networking can provide the support necessary to overcome these challenges," said Reed-Butler.

She says the leadership team is committed to growing Women in Automotive’s reach and influence as it transitions from a Victorian-focused organisation into a national body supporting female and non-binary individuals working, or seeking work, in the automotive industry.