Tunisian women seeking careers in the automotive sector still face a significant gender gap, particularly in leadership, where management positions remain largely dominated by men. To help close this gap, the diaspora organisation Association of Tunisians in Stuttgart e.V. (VTS) partnered with the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) to provide women with opportunities for professional exchange, networking and skills development. Through transnational networks, digital platforms and professional workshops, the initiative aims to strengthen women’s access to leadership opportunities and support their advancement in the automotive sector.

The initiative equips young women with the skills, knowledge and networks they need to advance in the competitive automotive sector. By facilitating the exchange of experience and best practices between Germany and Tunisia, it connects emerging female professionals with international perspectives and opportunities for professional growth. Targeted leadership training and a dedicated mentoring programme support young women completing their automotive training in developing the confidence and skills needed to pursue leadership positions.  

The partnership is already creating new opportunities for exchange and collaboration. Following the successful "Tunisian Automotive Day" hosted in Germany, the project officially launched the EmpowerHer-Community. This vibrant new network enables a direct transfer of technical know-how among women in Germany. It now serves as the vital foundation for an ongoing, cross-border knowledge exchange with female professionals in Tunisia. 

Furthermore, the project has laid the groundwork for its next phase by assessing the professional needs of women in Tunisia’s automotive sector and identifying the key training and mentoring tools required.The Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA) is now adapting these resources to the local context, while specialised trainers are being recruited and the mentoring programme is being prepared for rollout. This approach ensures that the support responds to the realities of the Tunisian automotive sector and equips the next generation of female professionals with relevant skills, guidance and networks to advance their careers.