A woman who disguised herself as a man to work on the railway in the 1850s is among a group of heroines being celebrated this International Women's Day. Elizabeth Holman, one of the earliest known women to work on the British railway, defied social restrictions by dressing as a navvy to undertake dangerous construction work.
Holman is being recognised alongside Gladys Garlick, one of the first female train guards who served during WW2 air raids, and Betty Chalmers, who joined LNER in 1937 and worked in an underground shelter for two years. The trailblazers are honoured in Hollywood-style Walk of Fame installations unveiled at London King's Cross and York train stations.
Modern-day railway revolutionaries are also recognised, including train driver Helen Donagher, whose quick thinking saved a passenger's life, and Rezwana Rahman, the first LNER female driver to wear a hijab. The installations highlight the contribution of women in rail, past and present.
Research commissioned by LNER reveals a perception gap: three-quarters of UK children would draw a man if asked to draw a train driver, and 97% of Brits are unaware that over 35,000 women currently work in the UK railway industry. LNER has a 44% female workforce, compared to the industry benchmark of 16%.
Lesley Cook, daughter of Gladys Garlick, said: 'Seeing my mother's legacy live on for her unwavering dedication to British rail is such a special moment for our family.' Paula Bullock, LNER's People Director, added: 'Gender equity in the transport industry is something we're deeply passionate about.'
