Empowering Women in Manufacturing: Driving Change and Embracing Diversity

Over the past five decades, Australia has witnessed remarkable progress in fostering inclusivity and advancing gender equality within our workplaces. While we celebrate the remarkable progress we have made, it is essential we continue to address the vital issue of women and diversity in industries such as manufacturing. I had the privilege of attending the Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW) in Melbourne, where the second day of the expo was specifically dedicated to honoring and empowering women in the manufacturing industry and shedding light on their invaluable contributions.

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Breaking the Gender Bias and overcoming hurdles

Despite constituting at least half of the global workforce, women in Australia make up a mere 28% of the manufacturing sector. However, my experience at the AMW was nothing short of inspiring. Witnessing women managers and directors take the stage with unwavering determination to shatter the prevailing gender bias in manufacturing left an indelible mark on me. One woman spoke of her experience of tackling the issue from within her own family company. She met resistance with patience and determination, to break the long-standing gender bias that was present. Being so young herself, her experiences resonated deeply with me and reaffirmed my belief that fighting gender bias with compassion and education is the strongest choice.

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All women on the panel generously shared their experiences, emphasizing the remarkable transformation the industry has undergone. From being nearly invisible, we now witness a diverse array of female professionals, including directors, managers, sales representatives, engineers, and many more. Their stories underscore the significance of women and the unique perspectives they bring to the table in the manufacturing sector. While at present women in manufacturing are outnumbered five to one, these women exemplify the power of resilience and serve as beacons of hope for a more inclusive future. As someone who has dedicated six years to this industry, these remarkable women serve as relatable role models, guiding us through challenges and inspiring others like me by paving the way for a more inclusive future. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of how fortunate I am to be part of a company that actively fosters equity in the workplace, creating channels for growth and opportunity.

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Leading the Way

Having worked at Bosch Rexroth Australia for nearly a year, I consider myself fortunate to be part of a company that values and actively promotes diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. From day one, I have experienced a supportive environment filled with colleagues who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture.

One initiative of Bosch Rexroth that I appreciate is the transparency to communication that the associates have. This culture is nurtured from all levels and was even highlighted at the most recent Sales Conference where external experts were brought in to teach tactics on effective, non-hierarchical, open communication.

As a leader in the manufacturing industry, Bosch Rexroth offers a wealth of opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and make a tangible impact on a global scale. The products and solutions we develop are utilized by customers worldwide, and every employee is given equal opportunity to contribute based on their merits. It is truly rewarding to be part of a company that recognizes and values individual contributions, allowing us to make a real difference in the world through our work.

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Embracing the Future

The journey towards equality and diversity in the workplace is an ongoing one, but it is heartening to witness the progress made in the manufacturing industry. The stories shared by the remarkable women at the AMW and companies like Bosch Rexroth leading the way demonstrated the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to change. Let us all strive to build a future where women in manufacturing, and across all industries, have equal opportunities and recognition for their talents. Together, we can create workplaces that celebrate diversity, driving innovation and shaping a better tomorrow.

Written by Heather Lock

Edited by Zairynn Yazmi