🚂 Reflecting on RailTech Europe – A Journey of Insight and Inspiration 🌟
Looking back on RailTech Europe, I still resonate with the event from two weeks ago. It was a cozy gathering, yet full of engaging conversations about the technical side of rail. It was more than just a chance to meet, it was an opportunity to get to the core of what’s next in railway innovation. 🚀
The highlight for me was the "Women in Rail" panel discussion. Such events often spark discussion, but it's rare to leave with actionable insights, and I’m keen to share some with you:
👩💻 Changing the Narrative: The rail industry has seen a transformation. Gone are the days when rail jobs were synonymous with grit and grime. Now, many roles are centered around dynamic office environments. It's essential for our industry’s perception to evolve and for all of us in rail to drive this change.
⏳ Generation Z's Influence: Today's emerging workforce values flexibility, like part-time opportunities, which can help integrate more women into the industry. This shift, long overdue, speaks to the changes we're ready to embrace.
💖 Mindful Recruitment: Hiring is a subtle art. By softening job requirements, using neutral language in job descriptions, and tapping into networks for direct outreach, we open the door wider to welcome female talent.
💯 Internal Quotas: Setting diversity targets is a strategic move, not a numbers game. It's an acknowledgment that diverse teams are the engines of innovation. Clear goals can expedite and simplify the changes needed to attract female talent.
💰 The Talent War: In a time of workforce shortages, bypassing half the potential talent pool is a lapse in economic judgment. Embracing women in the workforce isn't just socially equitable—it's a savvy business strategy.
Regarding quotas, the current speaker landscape at RailTech Europe speaks volumes: merely 3 out of 35 workshops featured female speakers. It's not solely about presence; it's about the depth and breadth of insight that women bring to every conversation. 💡
💪 Let's set an attainable goal – if not 50%, then aiming for 30% female speakers next year seems a step in the right direction. Diversity in thought leads to innovation, and I would be delighted to participate in future discussions beyond gender diversity, whether they're about, digitization, flexible software solutions, or cutting-edge hardware in railway technology... because #ImARailEngineer and #ILoveTrains 😉
As we continue to navigate this 'talent war,' let's build a future in rail that's not only efficient and innovative but also diverse and inclusive. The tracks are laid; it's time to journey forward together.
#RailTechEurope #WomenInRail #DiversityInTech #RailwayInnovation #RTE2024 #Railnova #welovetrains
