Read: Empowering Women in Rail and Engineering: A National Inclusion Week Perspective

As National Inclusion Week closes, Southeastern shines a spotlight on the vital role of women in the rail and engineering sectors.

With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Southeastern Rail recognises the significance of fostering a gender-inclusive workforce and is dedicated to promoting women's participation in these historically male-dominated fields.

National Inclusion Week, celebrated from Monday 25th September to Sunday 1st October 2023, emphasises the importance of creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their gender, background, or identity. This year Purpose Coalition member Southeastern joins the movement by highlighting the exceptional contributions of women in rail and engineering.

As part of the movement, Southeastern’s Colleague Network Group, Women In Rail Empowerment (WIRE) hosted a hybrid roundtable discussion with colleagues across the business in discussion with Rt Hon Justine Greening, former Secretary of State for Transport and Ellie Burrows, Managing Director for Network Rail  Southern region.

The rail sector, like many other industries, recognises the invaluable importance of women in its workforce. Promoting inclusion, diversity and equality in the rail sector is a strategic imperative. Women bring a unique perspective, skill set, and innovation to the table, enriching the industry in numerous ways.

Steve White, Managing Director at Southeastern said: “Southeastern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is on a remarkable trajectory. With nearly 30% of new hires being women, and a doubling in the number of women driving our trains in just four years, we are proud to be driving change. Our dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace was validated in 2022 when we achieved the National Equality Standard from Ernst & Young, a testament to our unwavering pursuit of the highest levels of DEI proficiency.

Southeastern is not only dedicated to increasing female representation but also ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment. Through our female-friendly policies, addressing critical issues like menopause, fertility, endometriosis, baby loss, and domestic abuse, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that supports all our employees, regardless of gender, in their unique life journeys."

Diversity fosters creativity and problem-solving. Women, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences, offer fresh ideas and alternative solutions to challenges in the rail sector. This diversity of thought can lead to more innovative approaches in design, engineering, and operations, ultimately improving the efficiency and safety of rail systems.

A diverse workforce enhances customer service. Women make up a significant portion of rail passengers, and having female employees in various roles, from station management to customer service, can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all passengers, irrespective of gender. By promoting gender diversity, the rail sector can tap into a larger talent pool. Encouraging women to pursue careers in rail-related fields not only helps address skill shortages but also contributes to economic growth and stability. It ensures that the sector remains competitive and sustainable in the long run.

Women play a pivotal role in the rail sector's success, and embracing inclusion and diversity is not just a matter of social responsibility; it's a means to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and secure the sector's future prosperity. 

Chair of Southeastern Railways Colleague Network Group, Women In Rail Empowerment (WIRE) Maureen Dominey said: “We were delighted to host Justine Greening and Ellie Burrows as part of our panel discussion during National Inclusion Week to showcase the remarkable achievements of influential women in the rail sector. Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential for the continued growth and success of our industry. By sharing the stories and insights of these influential women, we hope to inspire and encourage others to join us in our efforts to create a more inclusive rail community.”

Speaking at the event, Chair of the Purpose Coalition Rt Hon Justine Greening said: “As a Cabinet Minister, and especially during my time as Secretary of State for Transport, I witnessed the profound significance of diversity and inclusion within the rail network. The transportation industry, with railways at its core, plays a pivotal role in constructing a sustainable infrastructure capable of fostering enduring transformations. It is imperative that we persist in the modernisation of all our transportation networks to ensure their ability to provide a dependable and cost-effective service.

Being the operator of one of our busiest networks, Southeastern Railway occupies a strategic position to catalyse enduring change not only for the region but for the sector alike.”

Network Rail’s Ellie Burrows, Managing Director for the Southern region also speaking at the event said: "I'm incredibly proud of Network Rail and the remarkable teams we've built over the years. As a woman in rail, I've witnessed the transformative power of diverse perspectives, and I firmly believe that the inclusion of women is not just a goal but a necessity. We're challenging the norm of working practices and creating representative groups that drive innovation and progress in the rail industry.”