“5.,” one of the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. "5 Days 5 Sectors Women's Workforce Presence Workshop", which was organized to contribute to the field of "Target Gender Equality" and discussed the presence of women in the workforce, was held between 4-8 March at Istinye University (ISU) Vadi campus. ISUSEM-EPAM collaboration, ISUGender ISUMED -ISUKök; One sector was discussed each day in the event, which was planned as a sectoral workshop series, organized with the contributions of the Entrepreneurial Engineers Club, Quantum Dynamic Club, Industrial Engineering Club, Energy and Engineering Club, Networking Club and ISUPA. Expert female speakers from the textile, automotive, energy, media, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors met with the students. Among the speakers was Assoc. Prof. Director of the Center for Economics and Policy Research (EPAM). Dr. Ayfer Ustabaş, Subaru Marketing Manager Selin Şahiz and Doğuş Otomotiv Corporate Communications, Brand and Sustainability Manager Ebru Kantoğlu gave information about the automotive industry and women's employment in this sector.
Assoc. Prof., Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (EPAM), stated that the female employment rate in the automotive industry is only 2 percent and that the lack of female leaders is a significant problem. Dr. Ayfer Ustabaş said:
“As of the end of 2023, the industrial sector accounts for 22 percent of gross domestic product and 20 percent of employment in Turkey. 17 percent of working women have chosen to work in the industrial sector and they constitute 23 percent of the total workforce in the industrial sector. In the last 30 years, it has been observed that the female workforce in Turkey has made a significant transition from the agricultural sector to the industrial and service sectors. While the rate of women in managerial positions in the industrial sector was 2012 percent in 10.2, it will only increase to 2022 percent in 15. The most successful sectors in women's employment are education and banking. According to the results of Deloitte's research, the automotive industry is in a very weak position with 2 percent in female employment, and the lack of female leaders emerges as a significant problem. According to the 2023 report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) evaluating countries under the title of women's economic participation and opportunities; Türkiye ranks 144th among 129 countries. If women earn less than men and attitudes such as the glass ceiling and gender discrimination continue, this difference is expected to increase further. The gender wage gap is 15.6 percent against women in Turkey.”
“Women are an essential force for the future of the automotive world”
Stating that women are an essential force for the future of the automotive world, Subaru Marketing Manager Selin Şahiz said:
“Increasing women's employment both in general and in the automotive industry specifically is a challenging but must-achieve responsibility. This responsibility is not only important for Turkey, it is also an issue that is important in Europe and America and is seen as a solution to the 'talent crisis' in the automotive world. It is possible to solve the talent crisis in production and retail by employing female employees. Increasing the rate of women's participation in the workforce is of vital importance for Turkey's social and economic development, the improvement of women's status in society and the strengthening of the automotive industry into the future. Among white-collar employees in the automotive industry, female employees have reached a very significant rate with 25.2 percent. However, it seems that the number of managers remains at 18 percent. Although 57 percent of women working in the automotive industry state that they are happy to be in the automotive world, the lack of female leaders emerges as an important issue. If I were to give a few suggestions to women in working life, I would say the following:
Choose a company with a culture of gender equality. Demand support for your mental health and be committed to fighting discrimination. Don't be ashamed to talk about women's issues and fight for it to be taken seriously. Demand flexible working and contribute to a culture that supports this. “Draw attention to exclusionary behavior and ensure that it is taken into account.”
“The rate of women working in the automotive industry is expected to reach 2030 percent by 30.”
In her speech, Doğuş Otomotiv Corporate Communications, Brand and Sustainability Manager Ebru Kantoğlu made suggestions to increase the number of female employees in the automotive industry and made the following statements:
“According to a study by Harvard Business Review, although women play an active role in 80 percent of purchasing decisions in the world, that is, a trade worth approximately 20 trillion dollars, only 33 percent of the industry consists of women. According to the 2022 OSD Sustainability Report, the rate of female employees is 12.5 percent and the rate of female managers is 16.2 percent. When we look at the female employment rates in the sector in the future, the rate of women working in the automotive sector is expected to reach 2030 percent by 30. More leadership positions, increased participation in technical areas of expertise, and an increase in entrepreneurship are also expected. We can list the following in terms of solutions and suggestions for the automotive industry:
Women need to be more aware and educated in the automotive industry. Companies, society and organizations should inform women about career opportunities in the sector and raise awareness. Various seminars can also be held within the company and in the sector by contacting organizations such as UN Women Turkey and explaining the importance of women's presence in the sector and that it cannot be prevented. Creating more flexible working conditions and comfortable working spaces can increase women's participation in business life. By cooperating with the necessary institutions and organizations, a compulsory quota for female employees can be opened in all companies in the automotive sector, from large to small, especially in departments dominated by men. Emphasizing diversity in recruitment processes and creating a fair selection can enable women to participate more in the industry. "Awareness campaigns can be organized in schools and universities to attract women to the automotive industry."
