To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on Tuesday, 8th March, an all-female team of seven women ran Avanti West Coast‘s Control department, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The women filled the Control department’s roles, including Duty Control Manager, Information Controller, and Route Controller. They were also responsible for the behind-the-scenes operation, responsible for the day-to-day running of Avanti West Coast services to keep the railway functioning as well as customers moving.

International Women’s Day is a global day that celebrates the social-economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Designed to inspire the next generation and support the #BreakTheBias theme of this year’s IWD, by staffing Avanti West Coast’s central operations with women, the company aimed to showcase the various jobs held by women in rail and celebrate what they bring to their role.

Avanti West Coast’s efforts to champion women in the business follow its campaign to promote its Train Driver roles to working mothers, and to inspire those who are looking to make a career change.

Patrick Allinson, Operations Control Manager at the intercity operator, as well as his colleagues, Rachel Hartill (Duty Control Manager) and Amy Bellamy (Information Controller) worked on the idea as a perfect way to mark IWD.

“We want to champion what women bring to the industry and staffing our Control with this experienced team for a whole shift today is a great way to show this”, said Patrick.

“The number of women working here in Control is a great thing to celebrate, and by showcasing their roles we hope to encourage others to choose a career in rail. I have an eight-year-old daughter who I want to be able to consider many careers, some of which have previously been dominated by men. By joining my colleagues to recognise women in these roles, and highlight it is becoming the norm, we hope we can break the bias today and for future generations.”

To support the industry’s activities to recognise IWD, Avanti West Coast Team Leader, Laura Warwick, gave an insight into her railway career and shared how she is helping to #BreakTheBias as part of a video series by Network Rail.

Lizzie Power, Employee Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re committed to developing our culture of diversity and championing the women across our business. One of the ways we are doing this is showcasing the roles of women in the business, across the network and throughout the industry.

“I’m so proud of my colleagues sharing their stories and experiences to support and celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day theme of break the bias, while giving an insight into the opportunities available. By challenging stereotypes and rejecting discrimination, we hope to pave the way for future generations and inspire those from all backgrounds to join the railway.”