Celebrating 10 years of Women in Rail

Tuesday 12 April marks the 10 year anniversary for Women in Rail.

Launched in 2012 by its founder Adeline Ginn MBE, the organisation has delivered a step change in the industry by delivering a network platform to stop women feeling isolated in a gender imbalanced industry.

A decade later Women in Rail members continue to support the diversity and inclusion agenda which is key to the rail industry thriving in the future.

Women in Rail gained charity status in 2016 and brings together an army of passionate volunteers and supporters, working to transform the way the rail industry is perceived and offering the support to help carve out a career.

The charity’s team of volunteers deliver over 60 workshops and events each year to include; Professional development workshops covering topical issues including mental health, career guidance, wellbeing, management skills and personal development as well as social events which are free to all.

Christine Fernandes, Chair of Women in Rail said “Today marks 10 years since Women in Rail was launched! Our 10th Anniversary is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in improving gender balance, equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK rail industry.

“I would like to extend a huge thank you to our fellow members and supporters – and a special thanks to our founder, Adeline Ginn MBE.

“Whilst the Women in Rail charity has already delivered significant impact to improve awareness and support there is more work to be done. We need to showcase the industry’s full potential to inspire people to choose a career in rail by embracing diversity and inclusivity and redressing the gender balance to fill our ever-growing pipeline with the best talent.

“Here’s to the next 10 years, as we continue to inspire change and improve the rail industry for all!”

To mark the occasion, a special logo celebrating 10 years of the Women in Rail organisation has been commissioned, and will be shared by Women in Rail members across the UK at 12noon today. Please like and share to join the celebrations and raise awareness for the charity.

Milestones over the last decade

• 2016 – Women in Rail Regional Groups launched with Northwest, Yorkshire, East Midlands and West Midlands
• 2016 – Women in Rail gained charity status  
• 2016 – The inaugural Big Rail Diversity Challenge took place promoting the message Gender Diversity – Better for Business, Better for People, Better for Rail
• 2017 – The Women in Rail Jobs Board was launched providing vacancies from employers actively seeking to recruit women for full or part time jobs across their workforce
• 2018 – The prestigious Women in Rail Awards was launched to reward industry excellence
• 2019 – The first cohort was engaged in the incredibly successful cross-company mentoring scheme
• 2020 – Women in Rail joined forces with Railway Industry Association to launch the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter which now has 186 companies as Signatories

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