The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and National Women in Transport are calling upon anyone working in the rail industry to contribute to significant research to help close the gender gap in rail and create a more sustainable workforce for the future.
The Gender Diversity in Rail research project, led by independent consultants Diversity Partners, is asking women and mixed-gender rail employees in Australia and New Zealand to consider registering for one of six online focus groups of 15 people, held for 1.5 hours between Monday February 12 to Friday 16.
All rail employees of any gender are also asked to complete a short, confidential survey before it closes on 21 February and to also consider making a written submission on overcoming current challenges and developing future opportunities for gender diversity in rail.
The Gender Diversity in Rail research aims to better understand the challenges hindering greater gender diversity in rail and develop initiatives aimed at achieving gender parity across all facets of the rail industry.
It encompasses both the Australia and New Zealand rail industry, and has three key objectives:
- To thoroughly investigate the barriers and challenges hindering women’s entry, retention and progression in the rail industry;
- To promote awareness of the benefits and advantages of gender parity and fostering female leadership within the rail industry;
- To explore best practice initiatives and make recommendations that support greater gender diversity in rail and enable more professional opportunities for women, including in leadership roles. The recommendations will be informed by successful practices in various industries, both within Australia and globally.
The ARA launched a new, three-year Women in Rail Strategy late last year, which aims to foster an inclusive and diverse industry that is recognised as an employer of choice for women.
The ARA’s CEO Caroline Wilkie said the ARA has since awarded eight women working in the rail industry professional development scholarships worth $25,000 collectively.
Female participation in the rail industry is about 24 per cent and it will take until 2049 to reach gender parity, according to the ARA’s Gender Diversity report released last year.
“Increasing diversity in rail is not only absolutely critical to the long-term sustainability of our industry, it is well known that diversity in the workplace drives improved performance, innovation and better solutions,” said Wilkie.
“The ARA is committed to fostering equality of opportunity for women in the rail sector by breaking down barriers and empowering women at every level of industry.’’
Submissions can be made by emailing raildiversity@diversitypartners.com.au
To participate in the gender diversity survey or focus groups, please contact ARA Policy Officer Mikaela Stewart.
All data collected is anonymised and aggregated to ensure the privacy of individuals.
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