LNER honours women in rail with station installations ahead of International Women’s Day

LNER has unveiled special “Walk of Fame”-style installations at London King’s Cross and York stations to celebrate the contributions of women in the railway industry ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

The displays honour both historic pioneers and modern-day role models, highlighting stories that have helped shape the railway across generations.

Among those recognised are Elizabeth Holman, believed to be one of the earliest women to work on Britain’s railways in the 1850s, who disguised herself as a man to undertake railway construction work, and Gladys Garlick, one of the first female train guards who served during the Second World War despite the dangers of air raids and blackouts.

Nellie Nelson, a porter at York station during the war who helped keep services running for passengers during difficult conditions, is also among those celebrated.

Modern-day railway staff are also featured, including train driver Helen Donagher, whose quick actions helped save a passenger’s life after she stopped her train and provided emergency first aid, and Rezwana Rahman, the first female LNER driver to wear a hijab.

Raising awareness of women’s contribution

The campaign follows research commissioned by LNER which found that awareness of women working in rail remains extremely low. According to the survey, 97 per cent of people in the UK do not know that more than 35,000 women are currently employed across the railway industry.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents also said they were unaware of the historical stories of women who played key roles in shaping the railway.

The research also found that if children were asked to draw a train driver, 73 per cent would draw a man, while only 9 per cent would draw a woman.

Inspiring future careers

Despite the lack of awareness, almost a third of women surveyed said they would consider a career in rail, although two-thirds admitted they were not aware of the range of opportunities available within the sector.

Paula Bullock, People Director at LNER, said the installations were designed to both celebrate progress and highlight the need for further change.

“Gender equity in the transport industry – particularly within rail – is something we’re deeply passionate about and firmly committed to improving at LNER,” she said.

“By unveiling this installation, we’re not just shining a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women, past and present, we’re also recognising there is still work to be done.”

Progress in diversity

LNER said it has made significant progress in improving gender representation within its workforce. Women now make up around 45 per cent of the company’s staff, compared with the wider rail industry average of around 17.4 per cent.

Ellie Burrows, Managing Director for Network Rail’s Eastern Region, welcomed the initiative.

“Their stories span generations – from pioneers who opened doors for others, to the women who played vital roles during the Second World War, to the talented colleagues shaping the railway today and tomorrow,” she said.

The installations will remain at King’s Cross until after International Women’s Day before being moved to the station’s Family Lounge, while the York installation will remain on display at the station. Visitors can scan QR codes at the displays to learn more about the women featured and their contributions to the railway.