In the bustling hub of Munich, an innovation engine hums with a distinctively female touch. The BMW Group, known for its sleek, futuristic vehicles, is on a mission to fuel the journey of women into the world of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics). The company’s formula? A blend of cutting-edge opportunities, empowerment initiatives, and a celebration of diversity that drives innovation.
With an eye on the horizon, BMW is accelerating efforts to court more women into technology’s fast lane. Despite a workforce increasingly inclusive of women, the numbers in tech-related fields still lag, prompting BMW to shift gears toward a more gender-diverse future.
Ilka Horstmeier, BMW’s champion of People and Real Estate, and the Labour Relations Director, is steering the campaign with a clear vision: to electrify, digitize, and revolutionize mobility with a diverse crew at the helm. “We’re not just building cars; we’re shaping the future of mobility, and we need the brightest female minds in STEM to do that,” Horstmeier declares, her eyes sparkling with the promise of innovation.
March 8, International Women’s Day, is marked on BMW’s calendar not just as a day of celebration but as a launchpad for showcasing the myriad of STEM opportunities awaiting women. From early childhood, the company is laying down the tracks for girls to embark on a tech-adventure, with role models like Céline Laurent-Winter, Kirsten Matheus, and Stella Clarke leading the charge. These engineers, once young girls fascinated by numbers and technology, are now the architects of BMW’s future.
The narrative unfolds with the #empowerGirl initiative, a digital bridge connecting curious schoolgirls with the realms of STEM. Here, dreams of internships and first-hand industry insights become a reality. Girls’ Day, another highlight, opens BMW’s doors to aspiring young technologists, offering a peek into the automotive world’s STEM heartbeat.
Munich’s Maker Space, a partnership with BMW, embodies the “try and see” philosophy, encouraging women to dive hands-on into the tech world. This initiative underscores BMW’s commitment to nurturing a passion for STEM, a crucial step toward engineering dreams into reality.
Beyond the buzz of initiatives and open days, BMW’s commitment to gender diversity shines through its talent development programmes, with women making up over 40% of its AcceleratiON trainee programme. The company’s joint leadership model further exemplifies its dedication to work-life harmony, ensuring that career and family life can indeed run on parallel tracks.
In a world where role models can turn aspirations into action, engineers like Laurent-Winter, Matheus, and Clarke stand as beacons of inspiration. Their message to young women is clear: the STEM field is not just a man’s world. With unwavering support and encouragement, BMW is not just manufacturing cars; it’s engineering a future where diversity drives innovation.
As the narrative of women in STEM gains momentum, BMW’s commitment serves as a catalyst for change, proving that when it comes to innovation, diversity isn’t just an engine additive; it’s the main fuel.
