Events were held across GKN to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) as part of its ongoing commitment to increase gender diversity and promote engineering opportunities for young people. 

International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements while calling for gender equality. It is celebrated on 8 March every year and aimed at creating a more gender inclusive world.

The engineering sector faces particular challenges in recruiting and developing women to achieve their full potential. Last year, as part of the IWD celebrations, many GKN sites invited girls from local communities to visit facilities to help inspire and engage with the next generation of talent.  The initiative was a great success with many sites expanding the support to include boys, refugees, orphanages and children.

Across GKN, targeted career fairs, job opportunities, leadership development and mentorship programs have been created for female engineers and business leaders across all levels.

A message from Nigel Stein, Chief Executive, GKN plc, about International Women’s Day:

“At GKN, we believe in diversity and are committed to create a working environment where the abilities, differences and achievements of all individuals are valued within an inclusive workplace.

The engineering sector faces particular challenges in recruiting and developing women to achieve their full potential.  GKN is committed to promoting gender parity. The shared values of Diversity and Inclusion empower us all and underpin our work through our Strategy, the GKN Code, DNA and Leadership Behaviours.

International Women’s Day provides us with the annual celebration of women’s rights and achievements. It is also a call to action for the work still to be done. Let’s heed that call.

I encourage everyone at all levels to get involved, follow best practices and help GKN proudly demonstrate its inclusive culture.”

GKN is a truly supportive employer for women.