At London Northwestern Railway we know that the rail industry has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated space.
But we’re changing that.
This International Women’s Day 2025, we’re not just celebrating the incredible women who keep our railway moving—we’re doubling down on our commitment to creating an inclusive, safe, and equal industry for everyone. From championing diversity in our workforce to standing against violence towards women, we are taking real, tangible steps to break down barriers and challenge outdated perceptions.
Representation Matters: More Women in Rail, More Role Models for the Future
A little over a century ago, the idea of a female train driver would have been almost unheard of. Today, we are proud to have women driving our trains, running our stations, leading our teams, and shaping the future of transport. But there’s still work to be done.
At London Northwestern Railway, we are taking proactive steps to increase female representation in all areas of our business. This means:
Expanding mentorship programs to support women at every stage of their rail career
Creating clear career pathways for women looking to enter the industry
Highlighting real role models to inspire the next generation
Breaking stereotypes early by championing the children’s book, ‘My Mummy is a Train Driver’
Why does this matter? Because visibility leads to change. The younger people see women thriving in rail, the more they’ll believe it’s a place for them, too.
Empowering the Next Generation: “My Mummy is a Train Driver”
One of the most powerful ways to change perceptions is to start early. That’s why we were proud to co-fund the publishing and host the launch of ‘My Mummy is a Train Driver’ — a children’s book that challenges stereotypes and shows young readers that anyone, regardless of gender, can drive a train.
The goal? To inspire more young girls (and boys!) to see rail as a career option and to make sure they grow up knowing that women belong in every role—from the driver’s cab to the boardroom.
Since its launch, the book has been shared with schools and community groups, sparking conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of representation.
Want to read it? You can purchase it here: My Mummy is a Train Driver - Butterfly Books
Standing Up for Safety: Proud Ambassadors of the White Ribbon Campaign
Equality isn’t just about opportunity—it’s also about safety and respect.
As proud White Ribbon ambassadors, we are committed to standing up against violence towards women and girls. Being part of this movement means that we:
Train our staff to recognise and challenge harmful behaviours
Create safer spaces across our network
Use our platform to raise awareness and encourage conversations about gender-based violence
Safety on our trains, at our stations, and in our communities isn’t just a priority—it’s a responsibility.
More Than Just a Day: Our Ongoing Commitment to Equality
International Women’s Day is an important moment to celebrate progress—but for us, this work happens every day of the year.
Through our partnerships with Women in Rail, our Investors in Diversity accreditation, and our commitment to the RIA Diversity Charter, we are continuously working to drive long-term, meaningful change.
This means:
Encouraging more women into leadership roles
Developing training and mentoring schemes
Ensuring our policies reflect our values
Because equality, diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords — it’s the future of rail.
Join the Conversation
This International Women’s Day, we want to hear from YOU.
Who are the women who inspire you in transport?
How can we continue to make rail a more inclusive place?
#IWD2025 #WomenInRail #WhiteRibbon #BreakingBarriers #EquityInAction