Women in Rail

Anna-Jane Hunter

We had been working hard to grow numbers from 2018 and our mix of social and educational events in the region was beginning to attract a wide reach of attendees. Our efforts to be inclusive and spread the message about diversity had seen us push #notjustforgirls. Then lockdown came, and we all know the huge effect that had on where and how we worked. For whatever reason, we struggled to establish momentum for online events, perhaps because there was just so much on offer!

So, it was with great anticipation and a palpable air of excitement that we welcomed our members back to reinvigorate the regional group in person on 27 January. Hosted by ARUP, who had just been named as Britain’s most admired employer, we were joined by around 40 guests from across rail in the region. From Metrolink to WSP, Network Rail and Transpennine Express, we had designers, deliverers and operators in the room. Everyone was welcomed back by Anna-Jane Hunter, Chair of the regional group who was delighted to be joined by presenters representing the breadth our fantastic industry has to offer. We heard from Kathryn O’Brien (Customer Experience Director, TPE), Nicola Uijen (Network Rail Capital Delivery, NW Region) and our host ARUP’s own Caroline Thomas.

The discussion included how they chose their careers (‘the construction firm paid more than the car manufacturer’), who inspired them and how we can inspire the next generation, especially in relation to school children making their first careers decisions.

Nina Lockwood (Intuitive Recruitment) led the Q&A, exploring our guests views on what has inspired them and what advice they would give to others.

One message that all three speakers agreed on was the need for role models (both male and female) and for a ‘cheerleader’ to support and promote you. When it came to how we inspire the next generation, there was consensus that more needed to be done to capture interest from a younger age, to make it ‘cool’ and to think about the impact of language on making decisions.

Our evening was then topped off with some welcome networking. Old friends and new stayed on to catch up on all that had happened in the past two years; career changes, house moves, office moves and more. We can’t wait until the next event!

The North West region will be hosting some online shorter events: North West Chatterbox, beginning on 17 March at 12:30. This event will recognise March is Endometriosis awareness month and offer insight to this condition that effects one in ten women but often goes unheard of. Presenters will highlight what employers and colleagues can do to support women with the condition in the workplace. Future events will cover topics such as menopause, leading your first team, and imposter syndrome. Keep an eye on the Women in Rail website for further details and to register.

Women in Rail is free to join and we welcome people of all genders, ages and ethnicity. We’re always looking for ideas for events and people to support, and deliver them. So do get in touch if you have any ideas.