It was a collaboration between rail freight operators, partners and Network Rail. A willing collaboration between the parties led to a female-led freight train for International Women’s Day. The working came exactly five years after Southeastern ran an all-female passenger train to celebrate International Women’s Day in 2020.
The rail industry in Britain recognised this year’s International Women’s Day with a new theme, The “#AccelerateAction” hashtag has been proving popular in social media channels. Despite the UK’s enviable reputation for equality, the theme called for a more inclusive world where diversity is valued and celebrated. Elsewhere, displays at Euston station, including posters and videos introduced some of the inspiring women who help keep the railway running smoothly. Meanwhile, the freight side was inspiringly actually running a train.
Women who are leading the way
The idea for the freight train was conceived by Jess Lippett, a senior route freight manager at Network Rail. Jess is passionate about inspiring the next generation of females to consider a career in rail freight. The success of the 2020 event, was an inspiration. Jess had been hoping to surpass its impact.
“The rail freight industry is essential to our daily lives,” said Jess said. “It keeps our supermarkets stocked, our builders building, and our medicines moving. What many don’t realise is that the future of this vital industry is being shaped by a diverse group of professionals, including women who are leading the way.”
Combined effort
On the day, there were twenty-two female freight colleagues involved in running the freight train. The operation carried limestone from Whatley Quarry in Somerset to a freight depot in Theale, Reading, on Tuesday of last week (4 March). The quarry is also the scene of another innovation, where a British-built battery electric shunter has been under trial.
Female freight staff from freight operator Freightliner rostered, drove and controlled the train on the day. All-women teams from freight company Mendip Rail planned the journey. Network Rail signallers, female where available, helped the train along the route. Female operatives from the construction company Heidelberg Materials loaded the train in the quarry and unloaded the limestone in the depot.
Inspire the next generation
“This is more than just a celebration,” said Jess Lippett. “It’s a statement of the tremendous impact women are having across the sector. From the signallers and controllers working behind the scenes to the train drivers, operatives and ground staff, women are at the forefront of rail freight – leading the charge in ways that ensure the industry’s future is as inclusive as it is successful.”
Network Rail says that over a third of their management positions are held by women. “Although women may represent a smaller proportion of the industry, we are still vital to the running of the railway,” said Alice Bulpin, a senior strategic planner at Network Rail and a co-lead of their gender equality employee network, Inspire.
Alice Bulpin said it is important that Network Rail and the industry at large has a diverse workforce.“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing women that we have in the industry. “[It is] also the chance to inspire the next generation that this is an industry for everyone.”