In a powerful display of female leadership within the rail industry, Network Rail and its freight partners orchestrated an all-female-led freight train operation to mark International Women’s Day. The initiative aimed to showcase the diverse roles women hold in rail freight and inspire future generations to consider careers in the sector.
On Tuesday, 4 March, a train carrying limestone from Whatley Quarry in Somerset to a depot in Theale, Reading, was entirely managed by women. Over 20 female freight colleagues participated, both on the ground and in crucial behind-the-scenes operational roles.
Freight operator Freightliner provided the female staff who rostered, drove, and controlled the train. Mendip Rail’s female team meticulously planned the journey, while Network Rail’s female signallers ensured smooth passage along the route. At both ends of the journey, female operatives from construction materials company Heidelberg Materials handled the loading and unloading of the limestone.
This collaborative, industry-wide effort highlighted the vital contributions of women across the railway sector. The initiative follows Network Rail’s successful all-female passenger train operation with Southeastern in 2020.
The idea for the female-led freight train originated from Jess Lippett, a senior route freight manager at Network Rail, who is passionate about encouraging more women into rail freight.
Jess said: “The rail freight industry is essential to our daily lives. It keeps our supermarkets stocked, our builders building, and our medicines moving. But 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.
“This is more than just a celebration; 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.”
The project aimed to demonstrate the variety of roles available within rail freight, highlight the existing presence of women in these positions, and inspire the next generation.
Network Rail reports that over a third of its management positions are currently held by women. Alice Bulpin, a senior strategic planner at Network Rail and co-lead of the Inspire gender equality employee network, said: “Although women may represent a smaller proportion of the industry, we are still vital to the running of the railway, and it is important that we have a diverse workforce.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing women that we have in the industry and also the chance to inspire the next generation that this is an industry for everyone.”
