TWIMS WOMEN AS MANUFACTURING LEADERS

Manufacturing battles to attract and retain women in leadership positions. With advanced technology changing the future skills set required in the industry, manufacturers need to tap the largest talent pool possible. Research has shown that women in leadership positions can provide greater diversity of perspectives, innovation and a more balanced approach to management. Yet women leaders still experience significant challenges and contradictions in influencing their male-dominated organisations. Simply increasing the number of women leaders in organisations is no guarantee for the empowerment of other women or the transformation of organisations.

This course explores the specific gender challenges experienced in the manufacturing context, both from a leadership and blue-collar worker perspective. It explores how to develop your authentic and distinctive leadership qualities to impact the culture of your organisation. It also highlights issues affecting women in blue-collar positions to promote action towards greater inclusivity of women at all levels of manufacturing. The aim of the programme is to equip women leaders as change agents within their organisations by championing these issues with knowledge, awareness and personal effectiveness.

The three-day course includes:
• Exposure to the latest thinking on women in leadership and manufacturing, inclusion and transformation
• Facilitation of group dialogue and personal reflection sessions
• Case study and/or guest speakers
• Development of a board proposal for a change to a gender-related policy or practice in your organisation

At the end of the course, participants will have a greater understanding of gender-related issues in manufacturing and the ability to bring about change in the organisation through enhanced personal leadership effectiveness. Participants who attend all three days of the course and complete the board proposal assignment will earn a TWIMS Women as Manufacturing Leaders certificate.