Championing Gender Equity in Rail: Voices of Inspiring Women and Supporters
Meet Nadja Jungwirth, Managing Director – CSO at voestalpine Rail Technology GmbH
Nadja Jungwirth reminisced about what inspired her to enter the rail industry, proving once more that there is no such thing as a straight path into someone’s future and that different trainings and studies can lead us to new and exciting professional horizons. As a CSO in the Rail sector, Nadja also delved into the skills and qualities she believes will help women and younger generations succeed in the rail sector. She believes “the qualities and skills crucial to succeed in the rail sector are Long-term thinking and holistic thinking,” specifically when pursuing a similar career path. In her view, holistic thinking and long-term thinking are essential when focusing on the total cost of ownership, the life cycle, and the safety of a product or process. Nadja also tells us to “be prepared to be hands-on”, as this will be very beneficial when working on tracks, workshops, construction sites or anywhere else in the field.
Meet Berit Kosberg, Train Design Metier Manager at ALSTOM Transport Deutschland GmbH
In this video, Berit Kosberg delves into what inspires her and what made her take the first step towards the railway sector, the skills she believes will help newcomers succeed in the industry, and the incredible potential she sees in having diversity as a key motor in the sector. For Berit, “having a diverse team is of tremendous value as it creates an environment supporting new developments, technological advancements, diversity of thinking, ideas, and work experiences.”
Meet Dr Emma Taylor, Head of Digital Safety at Razor Secure. With over 30 years of experience, she is a leading expert in rail cybersecurity.
In this video, Dr. Taylor shares her passion for her work and why she believes rail is a fascinating industry to be a part of. She highlights how it’s an essential part of our daily lives and that working in cybersecurity helps keep Europe safe. As an engineer, she emphasises the ever-changing landscape of technology and the excitement of developing new solutions daily.
Antonella Trombetta, Director of European Affairs at Hitachi Rail and a leader in the rail industry, delves into the remarkable potential of rail as a solution to numerous challenges within the transport sector.
Antonella sheds light on how rail contributes to enhancing people’s quality of life and highlights rail’s positive role as a sustainable mode of transport responding to environmental challenges of the day. Acknowledging the importance of a thriving rail industry, she underscores the need to make the rail sector more enticing, catering not just to passengers but also to the workforce, with a particular focus on attracting young talent.
Oliver Kraft, Senior Vice President at Voestalpine and a member of UNIFE’s Gender Equity Advisory Group, is passionate about empowering women to pursue careers in rail. He questions the traditional view that the dream job of many boys is to be a train driver and asks, “But who says girls don’t have a dream job on the railroad too?”
The rail industry has historically been male-dominated, but UNIFE and its members are dedicated to changing this by prioritizing gender equity and cultivating a welcoming and supportive work environment for women. With a wide range of career opportunities available, from train drivers and engineers to cybersecurity and data analysts, the rail industry offers a wealth of exciting possibilities for women with diverse backgrounds and interests.
However, there is still work to be done to increase female representation in many roles. Mr. Kraft and other industry leaders are actively working to break down barriers and empower women to reach their full potential in rail. By fostering a culture of inclusion and equity, the rail industry can continue to thrive and innovate.
Oliver Kraft encourages women to pursue their dream job in rail
Sabine Schneider, Global Senior Vice President of Talent Management at Siemens Mobility shares her insights on skills and talent in the rail industry, and why this industry is a great choice for a successful career.
Not only does Sabine highlight the importance of rail as a sustainable mode of transportation, but she also explains why rail is the right fit for those seeking a fulfilling career.
Marleen van de Kerkhof is an International Affairs Manager at Dual Inventive and a member of UNIFE’s Gender Equity Advisory Group. She is an advocate for increasing female participation in the railway industry and believes that women can play a vital role in shaping the future of rail.
According to Marleen, the rail industry offers a broad job landscape with many exciting jobs and opportunities for women. With a technical background, women can thrive in this industry and contribute to its growth and development.
“What can’t you do as a woman in the rail industry?” Marleen confidently states. “There are so many exciting jobs and so many ways to develop yourself. Rail has a very broad job landscape and for women, there are so many opportunities, especially if you have a technical background.”
For Marleen, the key to increasing female participation in the rail industry is to showcase the exciting opportunities that are available and to highlight the important role that women can play in shaping the future of rail transport. She is confident that with the right support and encouragement, more and more women will be inspired to pursue careers in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Marleen van de Kerkhof is an inspiring role model who is championing the cause of increasing female participation in this exciting field.
Marleen van de Kerkhof is inspiring the next generation of Women in Rail
Catherine Letang, VP of Employee Relations Transit Segment at Wabtec Corporation and a Member of UNIFE Gender Equity Advisory Group, is passionate about the role of women in the rail industry. She believes that women can help to shape the future of transportation and mobility, and she is inviting more women to join her in this promising industry. She says “The rail industry offers a very promising workplace where we welcome women to help us draw the future of transportation and mobility. Join with your own values and let’s together contribute to a very sustainable environment.”
UNIFE and its members are prioritising gender equity to foster a work environment that is welcoming and supportive to women and inspire more women to pursue rewarding careers in rail.
By embracing equity, we can build a fair and just workplace where women can thrive and unleash their full potential.
Catherine Letang is championing women’s careers in rail at Wabtec Corporation
