Automechanika Dubai Highlights the Role of Diversity and Inclusion in the Automotive Industry

The on-going Automechanika Dubai trade show, the largest event for the automotive aftermarket sector in the Middle East, has spotlighted the growing importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the automotive industry.

A session at the event titled: “Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Automotive Sector”, part of the Automechanika Academy, focused on how emerging technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI) are influencing industry leadership, with an emphasis on gender equality and diversity.

The discussion brought together a panel of influential female leaders, including mobility expert Dr. Maya Men Dror, Shubra Srivastava, CEO & Founder of GaragePlug Inc., Sara Rachid, Head of Automotive and Technology for Maersk (UAE, Oman, and Qatar), Bhavika Sachdeva, Director at Trinity Lubes and Grease, and Gaitri Jeswani, COO of Eurodiesel Services LLC.

These thought leaders shared insights on how the automotive sector is embracing change, especially in terms of leadership representation and the adoption of inclusive workplace practices.

Sara Rachid of Maersk emphasised the accelerating shift toward gender equality in executive roles within the industry, noting that 35% of Maersk’s executive leadership positions are now held by women, with a goal of reaching 40%.

"The changes we are seeing are significant, and they’re happening faster than anticipated," Rachid said.

"If we don’t continue to drive these efforts forward, we risk losing relevance in the market. Diversity is no longer just a buzzword; it's integral to staying competitive and connected to our customers."

The growing trend of female participation in traditionally male-dominated roles was also highlighted in a report by the Economic Times, which noted that automakers in India, including Tata Motors, Hero MotoCorp, and MG Motor India, have been actively promoting gender diversity by hiring more women and creating inclusive work environments.

Gaitri Jeswani discussed the impact of electrification and technological advancements, pointing out that more women are pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, which are essential to the future of the automotive sector.

"The transition to electric vehicles and new technologies is driving a wave of new talent, and women are increasingly at the forefront of this transformation," Jeswani added.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of the automotive industry was also underscored by Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organizer of Automechanika Dubai.

He stated, “This year’s focus on diversity at the Automechanika Academy reflects our commitment to building a forward-thinking, inclusive industry. The insights shared by regional leaders are crucial in driving innovation, fostering resilience, and ensuring that the automotive sector remains dynamic and representative of the communities it serves.”

The Automechanika Academy will continue to explore key industry topics, with tomorrow's sessions diving into regulatory compliance, digital transformation, e-commerce strategies, and adapting to the needs of electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition, the Innovation4Mobility feature will explore cutting-edge topics like alternate energy transportation, the role of autonomous vehicles, and traffic safety in future mobility.

Automechanika Dubai is set to continue at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 12 December, with additional highlights including the PowerTread Conference and workshops on future fleets, telematics, and industry connections.