Women in Rail (WR) marked the end of its 10th anniversary celebrations with its annual Conference on Thursday 2nd March 2023.
The hybrid event, hosted by London law firm Stephenson Harwood, brought together 120 in-person attendees and a virtual audience of almost 100. Tickets had sold out within 48 hours of their release.
The conference started with a fun and enlightening EDI-related icebreaker hosted by Lucy Dyer, an Apprentice Civil Engineer at SLC Rail and member of Women in Rail West Midlands Committee.
Adeline Ginn MBE, who founded the charity in 2012, was keynote speaker at the conference. She shared WR’s remarkable journey and achievements to date, highlighting the passion and dedication of the WR team of volunteers who, for the last 10 years, has been working relentlessly to drive long lasting changes within the UK railway industry.
Presentations included the work carried out by GBRTT to attract new talent into rail, the link between fostering EDI and high performing teams, British Transport Police’s support of White Ribbon, the UK’s leading charity engaging with men and boys to end violence against women and girls, and the future of apprenticeships and Young Rail Professionals (YRP).
“In line with our 10-year anniversary celebrations, the conference reflected on WR’s journey so far and addressed the significant progress in EDI in UK rail, with a particular focus on how organisations and individuals across the sector have implemented EDI as a key business imperative and the benefits this has realised,” said Shona Clive, WR Vice-Chair.
“Our speakers provided valuable insight into the industry’s thoughts on what the next decade will bring in terms of EDI activity and how we can all contribute in collectively making change happen across the industry and that allyship will play a central role.
“While much has been achieved, there is still more to be done, and we are now looking to the next decade and where we, as an organisation, can add most value and give best support.”
The conference was sponsored by CAF Rail UK, Egis Transport Solutions, Morson Group, Alstom Transport UK Limited , Great Western Railways and Porterbrook.
Image credit: Women in Rail
