Progressive Railroading publishes 'Inspiring Inclusion: Women in Rail and the Equity Embrace'

On March 8, the world celebrated International Women’s Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

This year’s campaign theme was "Inspire Inclusion."

With that in mind, Progressive Railroading reached out to two dozen women representing organizations that serve the rail industry. We asked: What does inclusion mean to you, personally, and how does it apply to your approach to work? What does inclusion mean to your organization? How is it reflected in strategies or approaches, from recruitment and retention to team-building and problem-solving?

Sixteen women from 14 organizations responded to our call. Their words are featured in an ebook: "Inspiring Inclusion: Women in Rail and the Equity Embrace."

When it comes to opening doors to women, the rail industry is making progress, but still has a long way to go: Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that while 57% of women are in the workforce, only 7.4% participate in the rail industry, as League of Railway Women President Sarah Yurasko writes in the "Inspiring Inclusion" ebook.

Many rail leaders acknowledge the industry needs to change that statistic. More rail industry organizations are embracing gender equity strategies and goals — it's the right thing to do and it makes good business sense, as the contributors to "Inspiring Inclusion" note.

"Collectively, the contributors' words tell a story, one we’re privileged to share in this ebook," says Progressive Railroading Editor-in-Chief Pat Foran.