Railway Trailblazers Celebrated with Hollywood-Style Stars for International Women's Day
The remarkable legacies and achievements of women in the British rail industry are being powerfully recognised this International Women's Day, with special installations unveiled at two major railway stations. Among those honoured is Elizabeth Holman, one of the earliest known women to work on the railways, who defied social norms in the 1850s by disguising herself as a man to secure employment.
Pioneering Women Who Shaped Railway History
Elizabeth Holman's story represents extraordinary courage and determination. During the 1850s, when railway construction was considered exclusively male territory, she dressed as a navvy to undertake dangerous and physically demanding work on Britain's expanding rail network. Her deception allowed her to participate in an industry that formally excluded women, making her a true pioneer whose contributions are now being formally acknowledged.
She is memorialised alongside other railway heroines in LNER's Hollywood Walk of Fame-style installations at London King's Cross and York stations. The celebration includes:
- Gladys Garlick: One of the first female train guards who served courageously during World War II air raids
- Betty Chalmers: Joined LNER in 1937 at age 16 and worked in an underground shelter for two years during the war
- Helen Donagher: A modern train driver whose quick thinking saved a passenger's life
- Rezwana Rahman: The first LNER female driver to wear a hijab while performing her duties
Addressing the Perception Gap in Railway Careers
Despite these inspiring stories and contributions, research commissioned by LNER reveals a significant perception gap regarding women in rail. The study found that if asked to draw a train driver, three-quarters of UK children would instinctively draw a man rather than a woman.
Furthermore, the research uncovered that 97% of Britons are unaware that more than 35,000 women currently work in the UK railway industry. While three in ten surveyed women said they would consider a rail career, 67% reported being unaware of the opportunities available to women within the sector.
Family Connections and Lasting Legacies
Lesley Cook, daughter of honoured railway guard Gladys Garlick, expressed profound emotion about seeing her mother's legacy recognised. "Seeing my mother's legacy live on for her unwavering dedication to British rail is such a special moment for our family," she said. "The railway is part of our roots, with my mum as a female guard which she was so passionate about and took a huge amount of pride in, and my father being a train driver."
She added: "It's truly incredible to see a light shone on her story and all the other women who are receiving the recognition they deserve with this installation."
Commitment to Gender Equity in Transport
LNER has established itself as a leading example for gender diversity within the transport industry. The train operator's latest data reveals a 44% female workforce, significantly higher than the industry benchmark of 16%.
Paula Bullock, LNER's People Director, emphasised the company's ongoing commitment: "Gender equity in the transport industry – particularly within rail – is something we're deeply passionate about and firmly committed to improving at LNER. 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."
Inspiring Future Generations
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's Eastern Region Managing Director, highlighted the importance of these stories for inspiring future generations: "It's inspiring to see so many remarkable women from across the rail industry celebrated through this campaign. Their stories span generations - from the 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 of today and tomorrow. Each of them shows what's possible and why representation matters."
The commemorative stars will remain at London King's Cross until after International Women's Day on March 8, after which they will move to the station's Family Lounge. The installation at York railway station will also continue to honour these remarkable women. Visitors can scan QR codes on the installations to access LNER's website and read detailed accounts of these inspirational stories.
