While there is no getting around the fact that the automotive industry is a male-dominated environment, there are a few women who have bucked this trend. We meet a South African example in this edition of the MISA eDATA.

One such woman is RMI President, Jeánne Esterhuizen, described by Steve Nash (CEO of the UK's Institute of the Motor Industry) as a leading role model in South Africa's automotive sector.

In 2017, Jeánne was awarded an honorary fellowship by the UK’s Institute of the Motor Industry to become the first woman from the international automotive sector to receive such a prestigious accolade.

But while Jeánne has certainly paved the way for women wanting to make their mark in the industry, her objective has always been to advance the industry for all its people and, ultimately, make a positive contribution to the growth of the South African economy.

“We are in desperate need of skilled people and it just so happens that women are particularly suited to some of the jobs traditionally reserved for men,” says Jeánne.

“Women have an exceptional eye for detail and we have found that they excel in positions such as spray painting and welding.”

Jeánne was also involved in the development of a three-year qualification for vehicle damage quantifiers which combines the position of insurance assessor and motor body repair estimator and this is another position where women can shine, she believes.

Jeánne says there are a number of South African women who have changed and made an impact on the automotive industry, but who have not always been recognised for their achievements.

“This, too, is changing, and women are increasingly being acknowledged for the important role they play.”

What you can do
Each year, MISA honours women in the South African motor retail industry with the prestigious MISA Woman of the Year award. You can help to ensure that the unsung heroines of the retail motor industry are recognised by nominating someone. You can download the 2018 Nomination Form here.

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