The automotive industry, known for its innovation and transformation, has witnessed contributions from women that have shaped its evolution. As we mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, themed “Accelerate Action”, we take a moment to highlight how women have led pivotal shifts within the industry, creating change and accelerating progress for future generations. From inventing life-saving technologies to breaking barriers on racetracks, women have always been at the wheel of automotive innovation.
The story of women in automotive is one of courage, vision, and action. Whether it’s Mary Anderson’s invention of the windshield wiper, Bertha Benz’s pioneering cross-country drive, or the development of Kevlar by Stephanie Kwolek, women have always been trailblazers. These women did not wait for opportunities—they created them. Their relentless drive has not only advanced technology but has also inspired a new generation of women to accelerate change, challenging stereotypes and expanding the possibilities of what women can achieve in the automotive world.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate 5 extraordinary women who played crucial roles in shaping the automotive industry. They broke boundaries, exceeded expectations, and paved the way for future leaders. As we look ahead, it’s essential that we continue to amplify women’s contributions and accelerate actions toward a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative future in the automotive sector.
1. Wilhelmine Erhardt: Pioneering driver and advocate for women in automotive
Wilhelmine Erhardt was one of the earliest women to break into the male-dominated world of motor racing. In 1899, she made history by driving one of the first motor vehicles produced by the Eisenach factory, stunning onlookers with her skill and passion for automobiles. Erhardt’s enthusiasm would propel her into the spotlight, and she became one of the first women to compete in a long-distance automobile race in 1901. Despite an underpowered engine, her perseverance and confidence were unmatched, demonstrating that women were not only capable but essential in shaping the future of automotive engineering.
2. Stephanie Kwolek: The Chemist behind the strength of Kevlar
Stephanie Kwolek, an American chemist, was instrumental in one of the most significant advances in materials science—the invention of Kevlar. In 1964, while working for DuPont, Kwolek discovered a polymer that was five times stronger than steel, yet lighter in weight. This revolutionary material became a cornerstone for the automotive industry, used in tires, protective gear, and a wide array of components. Kwolek’s ingenuity continues to influence industries far beyond automotive, proving that a single innovation can change the world.
3. Clärenore Stinnes: The first woman to circumnavigate the globe by car
In 1929, Clärenore Stinnes set out on an unprecedented journey that would take her around the world in a car. Undeterred by treacherous terrain, lack of maps, and scarce resources, Stinnes completed her journey through 23 countries, covering over 29,000 miles. This courageous feat, achieved in a 34.5-hp Adler Standard 6, not only proved the reliability of the automobile but also solidified Stinnes as a symbol of perseverance and the power of women to break through barriers.
4. Bertha Benz: The woman behind the first cross-country drive
Bertha Benz’s contribution to the success of the automobile cannot be overstated. In 1888, without informing her husband, Carl Benz, Bertha took the Benz Patent-Motorwagen on the first-ever cross-country drive. Her journey of 66 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim demonstrated the viability of the automobile and highlighted its potential for mass adoption. Bertha’s initiative not only advanced the automotive industry but also showed the world the power of women to drive change and innovation.
5. Jutta Kleinschmidt: A Champion in Dakar Rally
Jutta Kleinschmidt made history by becoming the first woman to win the Dakar Rally in 2001. Known for her incredible skill and determination, Kleinschmidt proved that women could compete at the highest levels of motorsports. Her victory was a milestone in women’s racing and continues to inspire female racers around the world.
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