As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers is thrilled to join the global campaign theme of 'Inspire Inclusion.' Our team at CARS is proudly female-powered and run by Sylvia, Kim, and Hayley, who each play pivotal roles in our organization's achievements.
Since the early days of railroading in the 1800s, women have been integral to North American railroads, working in various roles such as coach and depot cleaners, restaurant servers, passenger train hostesses, telegraphers, and clerks. Despite their contributions, female exclusion from operating and skilled maintenance crafts persisted until the 1970s, except during national emergencies like World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII).1 Fast forward to 2022, and women comprised 15% of the Canadian rail labour force.2 Let's create an environment where women can thrive, contribute, and shape the future of Canada’s railways.
As an organization, we can #InspireInclusion by empowering women economically, recruiting, retaining, and developing diverse talent, supporting women and girls in leadership, business, and STEM, designing infrastructure that meets their needs, providing access to quality education and training, elevating women and girl's participation in sport, promoting their creative and artistic talents, and addressing areas that support their advancement.3
This International Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements of women in rail and honour their contributions. We recognize the challenges they've overcome and the barriers they continue to break. Our commitment to empowering women in rail remains steadfast.
As we look ahead, let's continue to inspire inclusion, celebrate diversity, and champion women's empowerment.
Together, we can build a brighter future where every woman in rail has the opportunity to thrive.
Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0739885920301153
3. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme