The Society of the Irish Motor Industry hosted its 3rd annual Women@SIMI event in conjunction with its sponsor Bank of Ireland Finance in the Conrad Hotel Dublin 2 last month. 

Women@SIMI provides a platform for professional females from a variety of counties, representing different sectors of the motor industry to meet, network and share their experiences in what is otherwise viewed as a traditional male dominated environment. The event was attended by over 160 professional women.

Alan Greene President of SIMI addressing attendees stressed how both women and men in the automotive business need to work collectively to change the perception of the Industry and make it more attractive to females.

Gillian Fanning Marketing, Director of Serfac Limited and Member of the SIMI Management Board and Chairperson of the SIMI Wholesalers delivered this year’s key note address. She said, "As an Industry we need to work together to change the cultural perceptions and educate women that when you think of a job in the motor industry, you don’t just think of a male dominated environment but one that consists of many different sectors and diverse roles and great career opportunities”.

Women@SIMI again this year delivered a very impressive panel of speakers, with Mary Kennedy Master of Ceremonies interviewing Moyagh Murdock CEO of the Road Safety Authority and Regina Doherty Government Chief Whip, and Minister of State in the Department of An Taoiseach, both of whom provided great insight into their own career progression and day to day roles in state organizations. Penny Ferguson, Founder of The Living Leader, shared her expertise on Personal Leadership, and encouraged more women to put themselves forward for leadership roles.