Knysna Weekend with Volkswagen South Africa: Advancing Women in Automotive
REFILOE MODISENYANE
Sep 17, 2023
Our weekend with Volkswagen South Africa was more than just a chance to test-drive some of VW’s greatest products; it was an adventure into personal growth and greater understanding. Our journey began in Port Elizabeth, where we were given the keys to a fleet of incredible Volkswagens that exemplify the company’s dedication to performance and innovation. Our journey started in the VW boardroom, where the company’s chairman, Martina Biene, introduced us to a day in her life followed by her team of incredible women that serve in the Volkswagen business. We met a remarkable management team, all women who had advanced through the ranks of Volkswagen. These ladies deftly juggled work responsibilities with their personal lives. Their experiences were motivational and showed that with the correct attitude, everything is possible in life.
“The Volkswagen South Africa case study highlighted the significance of having a diverse workforce…”
The constant juggling act that these ladies engaged in every day was at the centre of our conversations. They were very open with advice on how to balance work, family, and individual goals. It was clear that their tenacity, devotion, and deep passion for the automotive business were the driving forces behind their success. The Volkswagen South Africa case study highlighted the significance of having a diverse workforce, especially in industries that have historically been dominated by men. Seeing these powerful women in action exemplified the positive effects of diversity and inclusion. The presence of these strong women in action demonstrated the advantages of diversity and inclusion. It became clear that breaking down barriers was not enough, and that laying a strong foundation was crucial if future generations were to have any chance of succeeding.
“At the risk to of being mediocre in other areas of my life…”
At a juncture in my life as an engineer in manufacturing, a wife, and a mother of a 3-year-old, I decided to also pursue an MBA in addition to tending to a passion project involving content creation in the automotive. This get-away over the weekend marked a major turning point for me. It forced me to reflect on the sacrifices we make for our passions and the potential toll of trying to be everywhere at once. At the risk of being mediocre in other areas of my life, I’d prefer to put a hold on my passion endeavour in order to give it the full attention it deserves when the time allows.
The VW South Africa leadership team spent a transformative weekend in Knysna, South Africa, honouring women in the automotive industry. It highlighted the accomplishments of exceptional women who have successfully balanced leadership, motherhood, independence, and marriage without sacrificing any of these responsibilities. It also highlighted the importance of diversity in manufacturing and the need to strike a balance between pursuing one’s ambitions and caring for one’s health.
As we progress forward, it is essential to remember that women in manufacturing and related industries require our support in every aspect of their existence. The weekend with Volkswagen South Africa was more than a celebration of women’s achievements; it was also a rallying cry to make the automotive industry and the world an inclusive and ever-changing place.
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