Embracing Equity
IWD’s 2023 aim is for the world to #embracequity and ‘challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.’ Southeastern are working to rise to that challenge. Maureen Dominey, chair of Southeastern's WIRE group (Women in Rail Empowerment) said:
“We have made significant progress in challenging gender stereotypes in our industry. Nowhere is Southeastern’s success more evident than in the number of female train drivers we employ, which has increased by 137% over the last five years.”
“We are working hard as a business to #embraceequity and make sure all our female employees are given fair and equal opportunities to thrive.”
Southeastern wants to ensure it is a place where women can find a rewarding long-term career in the rail industry.
The company, which employs over 4,500 people across Kent and London and that serves over 400,000 customers daily, has achieved ‘Work180 Employer’ status for embracing Work180’s mission to ‘raise organizational (sic) standards so that all women can choose workplaces where they can thrive’.
Southeastern was awarded ‘Best Place to Work’ at the 2021 and 2022 Women in Rail Awards and is hoping to make it three-in-a-row in 2023.
The company also engages with staff on issues like menopause, period normalisation, domestic abuse and baby loss, seeking to break taboos and foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
Period product collection
Southeastern’s Women’s Network Group want to support women’s wellbeing and women who cannot afford period products. This IWD, they are collecting period products to donate to a women’s refuge to help alleviate the ‘period poverty’ that many women have to deal with. The company also has a ‘take one if you need one’ initiative that is looking at ways to provide free sanitary products for people who need them. Raz Sagoo, Resourcing Manager at Southeastern, who leads on ‘Take One If You Need One’, said: “Supporting women’s wellbeing, the environment and tackling period poverty is a major issue of gender imbalance. It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, inconvenient and have a detrimental impact on the individual and we want to help.
Recognising Southeastern’s Amazing Women
Southeastern is also using International Women’s Day as an opportunity to thank some of the women who have been nominated by colleagues for their outstanding efforts in supporting the business and other women who work there.
Train Presentation Operations Manager Victoria Russell, who’s based in Gillingham, was nominated for being ‘a star amongst stars’. Her colleague said Victoria has ‘always got time for people and her knowledge of the business is exemplary’.
Denise Scott, a Revenue Peer Trainer based in Swanley, ‘always goes the extra mile as a colleague and a friend’. Denise is recognised ‘for her ability to relate to everyone, approaching training strategically and encouraging engagement. She builds other women up as well as challenging herself.’
Also nominated was Athena Chapman, a Training Delivery Manager based in Orpington, who is recognised for her efforts in ‘bringing everyone together’
The three are being recognised along with a host of others from around the business.
ENDS
