History

WiCR Background

Women in Community Rail (WiCR) was established in June 2016 to help support colleagues in the community rail family to work toward a more inclusive, tolerant and diverse membership, which is a true reflection of community rail users and the wider societal make up. The aim for women in community rail is to have a voice from grass roots to board level within community rail, whilst bringing everyone collectively on a journey to Achieve Change Together.

Recognition in relation to a disproportionate gender representation (particularly at decision making levels) and a younger age profile was, and still remains a constant point of discussion across the wider community rail family.

A steering group of twelve made up of like-minded individuals came together from community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, local authorities, and train operating companies, with an ambition to bring about positive change. Women in Community Rail (WiCR) was established to primarily address diversity and inclusivity imbalances within community rail.

The steering group members have all received training in ‘building confidence’ and ‘finding your voice.’ This has helped not only personal development for steering group members but also gave them the confidence to speak to those hard to reach groups.

Members of the steering group participate in many events and seminars across the country and this helps build up support networks helping colleagues working in community rail and the rail industry as well as helping women and young people to find a career in the industry.

The collaborative approach from representatives and partners across the community rail movement via WiCR shows an appetite and eagerness to support and change where appropriate, how and why we do things.