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200 Years of Progress: Women’s Evolving Role in Rail
An invitation only event for Corporate Members 

Women in Rail is delighted to invite our corporate members and invited guests to an exclusive event designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and drive meaningful change across the UK rail industry. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session where we will explore key themes around attracting, recruiting, and retaining women in the sector.

Why Attend?

  • Connect with a diverse range of rail professionals – The event will be attended by Women in Rail Trustees and representatives from across the industry, offering invaluable networking opportunities.
  • Contribute to practical solutions – Participate in discussions that will shape strategies for improving gender diversity and inclusivity in rail workplaces.
  • Celebrate progress and explore future opportunities – Recognise achievements while identifying actions to remove barriers and create a more equitable industry.
  • Engage in interactive sessions – Join facilitated workshops focused on real-world challenges and opportunities in recruitment, retention, and career progression for women in rail.

Programme
10:30 – 11:00 Registration and Refreshments
Tea, coffee, and informal networking
11:00 – 11:05 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Marie Daly, Chair of Women in Rail
11:05 – 11:25 Launch of the Women in Rail Business Plan
Marie Daly, Chair of Women in Rail
11:25 – 11:40 Reflections on 200 Years of Women in Rail
Angie Doll, Trustee, Women in Rail
11:40 – 12:40 Facilitated Breakout Discussions
Exploring career barriers and support needs across different life stages
Led by Women in Rail Trustees
12:40 – 12:55 Supporting Career Returners
Hazel Little, Deputy CEO, Career Returners
12:55 – 13:05 Wrap Up
Marie Daly, Chair of Women in Rail
13:05 – 14:00 Lunch
Continue conversations over lunch

About the breakout sessions
You’ll take part in group discussions looking at the different career stages women go through, and the support they need at each point:
Ages 18–30: Getting into the industry, access to STEM careers, finding mentors
Ages 30–60: Managing career breaks for childcare or caring, and how to support women to stay and grow
Ages 60+: Balancing work with caring for older relatives, and planning for later-career moves
You won’t be grouped by age — every group will talk about all the themes, so we can hear a range of views and experiences.

This event is exclusive to Women in Rail corporate members and invited guests. Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your place.

Book Your Place
Be part of the conversation and contribute to the future of gender diversity in rail.