Our CEO John McArthur was proud to stand alongside industry peers & fellow ARA Directors at the launch of the Australasian Railway Association’s Rail Gender Equity Charter earlier this week.
This landmark initiative represents a collective pledge by rail industry organisations to take meaningful action to improve gender equity and inclusion across the sector. The Charter not only sets out shared commitments, but also outlines clear Approaches and Measures to drive real change, including:
- Leadership and Accountability – embedding equity into governance, policies, and senior leadership accountability.
- Inclusive Recruitment and Career Pathways – expanding opportunities for women across all rail roles, from operations to executive leadership.
- Retention and Development – building supportive, flexible workplaces that encourage career progression and long-term engagement.
- Culture and Belonging – fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where everyone feels valued.
- Measurement and Transparency – collecting and reporting workforce data to track progress and ensure continuous improvement.
Improving gender equity is not just the right thing to do — it is essential to ensuring the rail industry has the diverse skills, perspectives, and innovation it needs for the future. With only 23 per cent of the current rail workforce being women, closing this gap is critical to sustaining growth, building resilience, and better reflecting the communities we serve.
At One Rail Australia, we know diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to working with our peers to deliver on the Charter’s vision — creating workplaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.