A record number of attendees highlight the aftermarket industry’s commitment to elevating women

The AAAAWomen International Women’s Day Breakfast returned for its third year on Friday 6 March with its biggest audience yet, drawing more than 120 participants from across the automotive aftermarket.
Supported by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), Penrite, GPC Asia Pacific, Bapcor and Amotiv, the event has quickly become a flagship moment for connection, visibility, and progress for women in the industry.
AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, said the continued growth of the breakfast reflects a broader cultural shift.
“We started with around 70 or 80 people, and now we are at 120. Every year it gets bigger, and every year the conversations get richer,” Lesley said.
“It is a chance to see that you belong to an industry of active, smart women who care about women’s participation – and we are pleased also to have a small but welcome group of supportive men in the room as well.”
This year’s keynote speaker, leadership trailblazer Holly Ransom, brought a dynamic blend of humour, energy and practical insight.
“Holly was funny and engaging, while also leaving us with lessons and ideas we can apply straight away,” Lesley said.
The breakfast continued its tradition of deliberately mixed seating, ensuring attendees from different companies and roles could meet, share experiences, and collaborate.
A table exercise invited participants to share, in just a few words, what they believe would accelerate progress for women in the industry, producing the word cloud featured in this article.
“We use the breakfast to get feedback from women about what will actually make a difference,” Lesley said.
“It is not just a networking event; it is a steering mechanism. The ideas that come out of those tables help shape what AAAAWomen does over the next 12 months.”
The event also highlighted the achievements of 2025 and outlined what is ahead for 2026.
Discussed was the breakfast itself, the 2025 Connection Circles events and their relaunch for this year, the ‘how does a car work’ event concept and its successful rollout so far in Melbourne and Sydney as well as its upcoming appearance in Brisbane under a new name, and the driving of features celebrating women in the industry in the AAAA’s Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine.
On the Connection Circles relaunch, Lesley encouraged women across the industry to explore and join the circles that best match their interests and career stage.
“The Connection Circles are really important, offering new opportunities for women to connect, learn, and grow,” Lesley said.
“They have kicked off again for 2026 and the breakfast was a great chance to reinvigorate them.”
To find out more about the upcoming Connection Circles, visit www.aaaa.com.au/upcoming-events
AAAAWomen is also preparing for a strong presence at the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo (AAAExpo), including a dedicated all women panel and the new AAAAWomen Networking Hour, which will run from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on the Friday of Expo in a room just off the show floor.
“Just like our International Women’s Day breakfast, the AAAAWomen Networking Hour is open to everyone – women and men – who want to support gender equity in the industry,” Lesley said. Registrations are available via the Expo app or website.
Reflecting on another successful breakfast, Lesley said the strength of the event lies in its collaborative spirit.
“What we do is a reflection of the women in this industry – they tell us what matters, and we build programs around that,” Lesley said.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved through AAAAWomen already, and with what is shaping up to be another big year in 2026, we are excited about what lies ahead.
“Together, we can continue to shape a more connected, confident and inclusive future for women across the automotive aftermarket.”

To learn more about AAAAWomen, please email Lesley Yates on advoacy@aaaa.com.au