By Ganymede
Accelerating Action: Ganymede's Women in Rail Reflect on IWD and 200 Years of Railway Progress
As we mark International Women's Day, the rail industry reflects on the progress made in gender equality while acknowledging the work still ahead.
This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for meaningful steps to drive progress, ensuring that women in rail not only have a place at the table but can thrive in leadership, engineering, and operational roles.
With Railway 200 marking two centuries of railway history, it is an opportunity to reflect on how far women have come in the industry. At Ganymede, we spoke with three inspiring women in rail to hear their thoughts on gender equality, the evolution of women’s roles in the sector, and what the next 100 years might hold: Charlotte Cruise, Client Relationship Manager; Tyler Cook, Principal Consultant; and Karla Delczeg, Recruitment Consultant.
International Women’s Day: A Time for Reflection and Action
This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for bold steps to push gender equality forward. Our interviewees highlighted key areas that need focus:
Tackling the gender pay gap: Tyler Cook said that "closing the gender pay gap is the biggest thing we can do towards achieving gender equality. Whilst it is a step to legally have to publish the gender pay gap as a company (with over 250 employees), there shouldn’t be a gap to post about."
More male allies in the workplace: Charlotte believes, "to accelerate action, it is incredibly important for women to have male allies in the workplace that will support gender equality drives."
Recruitment and retention strategies: "Stronger recruitment and retention initiatives to attract and keep more women in rail", says Karla.
Flexibility in working arrangements: Tyler also said "Trying to raise a family and have a career alongside doesn’t fit into the constraints of non-flexible working. Companies are missing out on amazingly talented and hardworking women due to the inability to bend out of a Mon – Fri / 9-5 routine.”
Mentorship and career progression support: “Nationally, we are just rolling out this year's mentorship programme, which is a fantastic support for women already in the sector looking to grow their careers,” Charlotte mentions when talking about Women in Rail.
200 Years of Railway Progress: The Role of Women
The rail industry has been shaped by women in ways that are often overlooked.
During World War I, women took on critical roles in railway operations while men were at war, proving their capability in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite this, their presence in the sector remains relatively low, with women making up only around 16-17% of the workforce as of a recent National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) report.
With Railway 200 celebrating two centuries of railway innovation, the industry is now looking ahead to the next 100 years.
The hope is that by the time Railway 300 arrives, gender equality will be embedded at every level—from apprenticeships to executive roles. Increasing the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers is a key part of this vision. As rail technology advances, there is a growing demand for expertise in areas such as AI-driven systems, sustainable transport, and digital infrastructure.
Encouraging more women to enter STEM fields and pursue leadership opportunities will be essential in shaping the future of rail.
The Role of Women in Rail and Industry Initiatives
Organisations like Women in Rail are instrumental in fostering change and continues to be a driving force in championing gender diversity.
Tyler is proud to be part of the WIR team and to hopefully lead the way for the generation behind us to enter work places which are equal, supportive and understanding. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, networking events, and industry partnerships are essential in helping to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
Programs like the Big Rail Diversity Challenge brings together hundreds of professionals to focus on the benefits of diverse teams, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Charlotte said that last year there was around 600 participants for this event and that it was a fantastic day to come together to focus on diversity.
As the rail industry evolves, so must its approach to diversity and inclusion. The next steps require bold leadership, cultural shifts, and structural changes to ensure that women not only enter the rail sector but thrive within it. The commitment to accelerating action must go beyond just one day—it needs to be an ongoing effort to create lasting change.
Looking Ahead
With technological advancements and new opportunities emerging, the rail industry is at a turning point. A diverse workforce is key to driving innovation and ensuring sustainability. The women shaping today’s rail sector are paving the way for future generations, proving that rail is a career path for everyone.
Karla's advice to young women when considering a career in rail:
Be bold and curious—there are so many career paths beyond what people typically imagine.
Seek mentors and networks—connecting with professionals in the industry can provide guidance and open doors.
Embrace new technology—innovation is shaping the future of rail, and women should be at the forefront of this transformation.
At Ganymede, we’re committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the rail industry. As we mark International Women’s Day 2025 and Railway 200, we celebrate the contributions of women in rail and reaffirm our commitment to accelerating action towards a more equal future.
Find out more about Railway 200 and our commitment to the rail sector by following our blog.
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