Girls aren't just accessories in motoring -- WWCOTY judge Gen Tiu

Today, March 8, 2023, is International Women’s Day! 

And even in the male-dominated motoring world, the Filipina is making waves on an international scale.

Genevieve Tiu is the Philippines’ first-ever judge on the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury. She is a journalist and video producer at CarGuide.PH, along with being a columnist for The Philippine STAR Wheels.

WWCOTY is comprised of 64 female motoring journalists in 46 countries that annually hands out awards to exemplary vehicles. 

AutoFun Philippines talked to Gen, as we call her in the motoring beat, about her new role and the importance of having a “woman’s eye” in the world of cars.

Beyond just modeling

Women have a typecasted role in the Philippine car scene, and you would typically see them on car show stands.

“I think it’s cool to have this kind of organization kasi [because], at least, it’s a role na hindi [that’s not] car show girls or PR girls,” Gen said.

“Not that those aren’t decent work, pero ‘di ba medyo sad na minsan “mababa” tingin, though?” she added.

[Translation: But isn’t it quite sad that some people look down on that on that kind of work?]

Female perspective matters

WWCOTY was founded in 2009 by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre.

The group said its objective is “to highlight the role of women in the car world and also to choose the best cars of the year. Aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint, among others, are taken into account when casting the votes.”

Gen said she was nominated to the jury by her boss.

“I didn’t know about it until they sent in an application to move forward with it,” she said.

Gen believes a “woman’s perspective” only exists because most motoring journalists are male.

“What makes the female eye different is that, in my opinion, we offer a real-world perspective of a vehicle,” she said.

“In this case, it’s less of the technical aspect and more of how the car would be relevant in a realistic, on-ground setting,” Gen added. “It’s how a car can be aesthetically sound, yet true to its practical form.”

Cars are for all

Much like WWCOTY, Gen doesn’t believe in the idea of a “man’s car” or a “woman’s car,” despite being part of an all-female jury of car judges.

“Personally, a car is a car and the decision-making really lies in how relevant it is to the buyer’s life,” she said.

“I’ve seen petite Asian women drive pick-up trucks and tall men enjoy being behind the wheel of a tiny sports car,” Gen added. “It’s about the person and the connection he or she has with the machine, not the sex or gender.”

Go for it!

Given the dearth of female motoring journalists in the Philippines, what advice does WWCOTY’s newest judge have for car-crazy girls?

“If you enjoy it, then go for it!” she said.

“There is really no parameter or limit just because you are a woman,” Gen added. “Today, there are so many avenues and channels to express your passions, so it’s about finding the one that works for you.”

You heard her, ladies! Take the plunge and show the boys what female car nuts can do.

Did you enjoy this story? Give it five stars now below!