Following the success of the Women in Rail luncheon for International Women’s Day in 2017, the Australasian Railway Association will be hosting another lunch in Melbourne on Thursday, March 15.
We are proud to say that the event was fully booked with close to 400 individuals in attendance within 3 weeks of advertising!
The purpose of the event is to bring individuals and organisations from across the Australasian rail industry to promote the value of a gender balanced rail workforce, acknowledging the challenges that we need to overcome as an industry by fostering a culture of championing women in rail.
The event will align with the 2018 International Women’s Day theme #pressforprogress and will be chaired by Sue McCarrey, Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.
Our keynote speaker will be Lisa Annese, CEO of the Diversity Council of Australia. Lisa will be highlighting the importance of personal ownership, organisational commitment and practical initiatives to change the landscape of the rail industry.
Presenters will include the 2017 Male Champion of Change, ARA Board member and CEO of Transdev, Rene Lelande, who will be discussing policies implemented by Transdev to encourage women in rail.
Eminent rail professional, Anna Squire, Asia Pacific Rail Leader and Global Rail Executive of Arup will share her career development experiences, including the importance of her mentors and highlights from opportunities that have shaped her career path.
Anne Koopman, Head of Quality and Lean Manufacturing Australia, Asia Pacific Region, Bombardier Transportation will provide her insights on her perceptions of the sector and her personal experiences and support she has received that has helped her carve out a rewarding career in rail.
Loulou Hammad, Head of Communications, Australia, Asia Pacific Region, Bombardier Transportation will also be making an announcement as Gold Sponsor of the event regarding Bombardier’s plan to attract and support women in leadership.
ARA Chair Bob Herbert AM will present the findings of the Australasian Rail Workforce Gender Diversity Survey the ARA undertook at the end of 2017, which aligns with the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency questionnaire. The survey builds upon the data already collected to ensure a complete representation of the Australasian rail workforce.
The report will provide a greater understanding of the representation of gender within different positions, managerial roles and full time versus part time work arrangements within the Australasian rail workforce. This activity was a key component of the ARA’s Women in Rail Strategy launched at the end of 2016.
The information collected will assist the ARA establish benchmarks to track improvements and guide initiatives that the ARA and industry can undertake to address gender diversity in the workplace.
Involvement by all participants at the event will again be encouraged with table activities. This activity is intended to highlight the flow on benefits of a gender balanced workforce and a gender equality supported workplace.
The event has become a highlight in the Australasian rail sector’s event calendar, with further women in rail events planned in other capital cities in 2018, including Perth in April. We encourage you to join us at these events and join the conversation.