The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) and National Women in Transport are calling for rail employees to do a short, confidential gender diversity survey to help inform significant, qualitative research underway.  

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.  

The ARA is seeking contributions from rail employees in Australia and New Zealand to complete a confidential survey, which is open to anyone in the industry from 25 January to 21 February, and to also consider making a written submission on overcoming current challenges and developing future opportunities for gender diversity in rail. 

Submissions can be made by emailing [email protected]  

To participate in the gender diversity survey, please contact ARA Policy Officer Mikaela Stewart. 

The ARA is also encouraging women and gender-diverse people to register to be part of one of six, 90-minute focus groups, to be held online in February.  

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.   

To participate in the focus groups, 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. 

All data collected is anonymised and aggregated to ensure the privacy of individuals.  

For any further information, please email ARA Policy Officer Mikaela Stewart.