Hailing from Christchurch, Hannan has been traveling across the country, bringing her "Girls 'N' Gasoline" workshops to cities like Auckland and Timaru. Her mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain their vehicles, fostering a sense of independence and self-reliance.
Hannan acknowledges the challenges she faced when starting out in the male-dominated mechanic industry, and she is determined to break down the stigma surrounding women and cars. "It still is [hard] to this day. There are people that don't believe you're a mechanic, or they ring up and ask for parts or people will ask to speak to a mechanic," she shares, highlighting the persistent biases that women in the automotive field often encounter.
Hannan's approach is designed to empower women by providing them with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to take control of their vehicle's well-being. "So many people have just never looked under the bonnet of their own vehicle," she explains. "So giving the ladies the confidence to do that, they empower me and I empower them."
"The feedback has been really amazing. Like women absolutely love coming to the classes," Hannan shares. "I get messages straight after the class from people going out and checking their oil, checking their water and just having that confidence to look under the bonnet."
Hannan's vision extends beyond the current workshops, as she is open to the possibility of expanding the program to include specialized one-on-one sessions and potentially reaching out to male participants as well. Her ultimate goal is to continue building this supportive community and to help change the narrative around women in the automotive industry.
As the workshops continue to gain momentum, the ripple effects are being felt across the country. Women are emerging from these sessions with a newfound sense of independence and the ability to tackle car-related challenges head-on. Hannan's vision of a more inclusive and empowered automotive industry is slowly but surely becoming a reality, one workshop at a time.
The impact of Hannan's work extends far beyond the practical skills imparted; it is a testament to the power of education, community, and the unwavering belief that women can and should be equal players in the automotive realm. As the "Girls 'N' Gasoline" movement continues to grow, it is poised to inspire and empower generations of women, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the automotive industry.