{"id":195170,"date":"2024-03-08T13:07:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T13:07:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=195170"},"modified":"2024-03-08T13:07:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T13:07:23","slug":"empowering-women-pioneers-in-the-cycling-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2024\/03\/08\/empowering-women-pioneers-in-the-cycling-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Women: Pioneers in the Cycling Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

The history of cycling is one of innovation, adventure, and freedom. From the clunky velocipedes of the 1860s to the sleek, high-tech machines of today, the bicycle has undergone a remarkable evolution. However, alongside this progress, the industry has grappled with a persistent issue: the lack of diversity and representation of women. Despite strides towards inclusivity (and a ton of rad women doing extraordinary things on bikes), men still dominate the cycling industry, from manufacturing to leadership roles.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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When cycling first gained popularity in the late 19th century, women were relegated to domestic roles and deemed incapable of engaging in mechanical pursuits. However, a few pioneering women challenged these stereotypes, albeit facing ridicule and scepticism. Fast-forward to the present day, and while women hold a much more prominent place, the upper echelons of the cycling industry continue to look a lot like an old boy\u2019s club.<\/p>\n

According to recent findings by the Bicycle Association,<\/a> women constitute a mere 8% of bike workshop roles and 19% of customer-facing positions. And although they hold 40% of administrative roles, very few occupy senior leadership roles. This disparity is starkly incongruent with the broader workforce where women comprise nearly half of all employees.<\/p>\n

That said, some women are rightly claiming their seat at the table and ensuring we continue seeing a shift in the right direction. So, in honour of International Women\u2019s Day, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the women driving change in the cycling industry.<\/p>\n

Rachael Burnside: empowering women through mentorship<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Rachael Burnside, Business Director at Shift Active Media, is at the forefront of initiatives to empower women in the cycling industry. Inspired by her experiences benefiting from mentorship, Burnside launched \u2018Uplift,\u2019 a career mentorship programme.<\/a> Uplift provides aspiring female leaders with access to a network of seasoned professionals, enabling them to navigate their careers with confidence. Burnside\u2019s dedication to fostering female talent underscores the importance of representation and support within the industry \u2014 three cheers for providing women the support they need to thrive!<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Walker: redefining team management<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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A post shared by Cycling Podcast \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f (@shortracktalk)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n