The rail industry has come together today to celebrate International Women’s Day and promote the careers available to women in rail.
Great Western Railway (GWR), Network Rail and the British Transport Police (BTP) are showcasing the roles available in what has been a traditionally male dominated industry.
The three bodies have teamed up to host a variety of activities across the Great Western Network.
A new film A Woman Belongs… has been released as part of the activities with fundraising taking place at Bristol Temple Meads.
The money raised will go to the domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid who helped launch the Rail to Refuge scheme.
Network Rail commented on the positive work being done to encourage more women to get involved in the rail industry.
Joanna Grew, Co-chair of Network Rail’s gender equality network Inspire said: “We’re proud to be supporting International Women’s Day and showcasing the broad range of opportunities available on the railway.
“We know that more diverse and gender-balanced teams are more engaged, collaborative, motivated and safer.
“By promoting positive female role models, we hope to provide inspiration and encouragement for future generations.
“[These] may like to follow in the footsteps of some of our female railway pioneers.”
Chrisma Jain, Chair of Females in Transport Engineering at Transport for London recently spoke the ways the rail industry can encourage more women to take up careers in rail.
The film will be available to view on the GWR, BTP and Network Rail social media accounts.
Events are set to take place celebrating International Women’s Day at both Bristol Temple Meads and Reading stations.
This will include stalls designed to share women’s experiences of working in rail and information on careers.
GWR spoke on the importance of the events taking place to mark International Women’s Day.
Ruth Busby, HR Director at GWR said: “This… is a brilliant example showing how diverse and inclusive the rail industry is and that anyone can be part of the railway family.
“We all belong wherever we want to belong.
“There are so many career opportunities for people of all backgrounds and all skill levels.
“We are passionate in continuing our hard work with Network Rail and BTP to encourage people to join our family.”
Careers information can be found on the Network Rail website.
