The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and National Women in Transport are undertaking significant, qualitative gender diversity research. It aims to better understand the barriers and challenges hindering greater gender diversity in rail and develop initiatives aimed at achieving gender parity across all facets of the rail industry.
We are seeking contributions from rail employees in Australia and New Zealand to inform the Gender Diversity in Rail research project and encourage you to please consider taking part through any of the following three ways:
- Complete the diversity survey, which is completely confidential and open to anyone working in the rail industry;
- Participate in focus groups for women and gender-diverse people working in the industry;
- Make a written submission on overcoming current challenges and developing future opportunities for gender diversity in rail and email to [email protected]
What is the purpose of the Gender Diversity in Rail research project?
The Gender Diversity in Rail research 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.
An independent consulting firm, Diversity Partners, has been commissioned to lead this research. Diversity Partners is managing the survey and focus group process and will prepare a report with recommendations.
How do I participate in the Gender Diversity in Rail research?
Anyone currently working in the rail industry is encouraged to complete the confidential survey, which will be open from 25 January to 21 February here. It will take approximately 10 – 15 minutes.
Women and gender-diverse people can register to be part of one of six, 90-minute focus groups, to be held online in February. Please click here to register your interest for one of the below sessions:
- Monday, 12 February at 2-3.30pm AEDT (passenger sector)
- Tuesday, 13 February at 3-4.30pm AEDT (rail suppliers and consultants)
- Wednesday, 14 February at 11am-12.30 AEDT (infrastructure contractors and consultants)
- Thursday, 15 February at 11am-12.30pm AEDT (freight & heavy haul sector)
- Thursday, 15 February at 2-3.30pm AEDT (open session)
- Friday, 16 February at 11am-12.30pm AEDT (open session)
A maximum of 15 people can attend a single session. Depending on the level of interest, you will be notified if you are selected to participate via a calendar invitation for the session.
Make a written submission on overcoming current challenges and developing future opportunities for gender diversity in rail and email to [email protected]
All data collected is anonymised and aggregated to ensure the privacy of individuals.
For any further information, please email ARA Policy Officer Mikaela Stewart.