HS2 supports gender equality at the Big Rail Diversity Challenge

On Friday 9th June, 2017 Adeline Ginn, Founder of Women in Rail, invited 450 rail industry personnel to take part in the second Big Rail Diversity Challenge.

Those involved included a team from HS2 who topped the leader board with a fantastic 218 points. The event focused on how teams work better together when they have an equal ratio of 50% female and 50% male participants. HS2’s success is testament to the value of gender equality in the rail industry.

The event consisted of a number of physically and mentally demanding challenges that was a combination of “It’s a Knockout” and “Krypton Factor”. The course included challenges including Motorised Bathtub racing, Zumba, Hovercraft skills, quizzes, duck herding, blindfolded baking, simulator racing experiences, space hopper relays, human table football and segway relays.

The event was a huge success with 45 teams taking part – a 50% increase from the previous year – which is testament to the amazing support shown by all the organisations involved. Participants where given the opportunity to network, team build and fundraise whilst raising the importance of gender balance in the workplace.

The event concluded with an informal award ceremony with acknowledgement paid to the teams who performed particularly well in individual challenges, taking into consideration the highest scores earned, team effort, collaborative working and communication.

Organisers of the event, Women in Rail was created to improve diversity in the UK rail industry through providing networking opportunities and support for all women within the sector, encouraging undertakings and stakeholders to adopt diversity as a business strategy and devising initiatives aimed at positioning rail as an attractive career choice for young people.

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