International Women’s Day exists as a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
At Transport of the North, we have the aim to become an exemplary Equality and Diversity employer, and are passionate about recognising the achievements of every single colleague.
This year’s IWD campaign theme is #EachforEqual – working together to ensure an equal world is an enabled world.
We asked women from Transport for the North and the wider transport sector about what inspires them to succeed in the workplace.
Aoife Nugent – NPR Senior Project Controls Manager
I’m very fortunate to work with many talented women on the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme and the wider Transport for the North organisation. There are many women throughout TfN who inspire me daily. Within the NPR PMO, I work alongside women who lead, innovate and uplift others to achieve and it’s an absolute pleasure to work with and learn from them.
I’m conscious of the development of more progressive workplaces where a strong focus on diversity and inclusion is evident. In past roles, it was not uncommon to be the only woman in a meeting. But that is not the case at TfN. Commitment to equality comes from senior leaders, management and my male colleagues, and this inspires me to succeed as I believe I have the opportunity and support at TfN to achieve my ambitions.
Anisha Webb – IT Apprentice
What inspires me to succeed is working in an encouraging, healthy environment that doesn’t limit their expectations on me based on gender, race or age. As a young woman working in a male dominated industry, I am usually a nice change for others around me and enjoy proving every day I am every bit as capable!
Gemma Rathbone – Principal Media & Content Officer
There are many women within Transport for the North who inspire me with their passion, knowledge and dedication. I gain so much from their insights and am always grateful for their support and advice. Working in comms means I interact with people across all our different teams, and amongst our partners too, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people, learn things I never thought I’d need to know, and feel part of something that really matters.
Seeing female leaders in the organisation and my wider professional network is an essential part of being inspired to succeed, and I’m glad that we have so many talented women in transport and PR to emulate.
It’s also really important to me that my work is something I believe in, so knowing that what I’m doing at Transport for the North is going to help make daily life better for people for years to come is really inspiring for me.
Katherine Cotter – Executive Assistant to the Northern Powerhouse Rail Director and the Strategy and Programme Director
It is important that I am part of something that is bigger than myself. I seek out ways to contribute that provide me with a sense of ownership both in my own work and my overall work environment.
Making an impact in this industry and in customer’s lives is motivating.