Traxtion Believes the Future of Rail Is Women
Traxtion launched the Future of Rail is Woman Campaign on 24 August 2023.
In South Africa, the rail and transport sector has historically been dominated by men. A survey from Stats South Africa reveals a stark figure: 83.3% of the transport workforce is male. Yet, Traxtion, an independent rail operator that recently hired its first qualifying female artisan, is adamant that the future face of rail should prominently feature women.
On 24th August, Traxtion, in collaboration with suppliers and regulatory bodies to the railway sector, welcomed Grade 9 students from local schools to their Rail Services Hub in Rosslyn. This initiative was designed to offer these students a firsthand experience of the rail and transport sectors. The overarching goal is to raise awareness and kindle interest among women, with the aim of increasing female participation in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
South Africa stands at the threshold of a significant transformation, with its rail industry set to open widely. This shift promises to create thousands of job opportunities. In the private sector, there’s an immediate demand for a range of skills to bridge the current knowledge and participation gap. Through endeavours like this one, the industry hopes that a significant number of these new roles will be filled by capable and skilled women.
Traxtion Laying Tracks For Young Girls To Chart Their Journey In Rail.
With more than 13 years of experience in the industry, Nnoni Mokgethi, the Brand, Communications, and Marketing Manager at Traxtion, has closely observed the rail sector. Whilst she recognises the sector’s advancements, she emphasises a glaring disparity: the gender imbalance.
This year, to mark Women’s Day, Traxtion chose a transformative approach over traditional celebrations, launching the ‘Future of Rail is Woman’ campaign on 24 August 2023. Their aim? To pave the way for young girls to delve into the rail sector and to inspire these budding talents, positioning them as the next generation of influential women in rail.
Traxtion realised that making a meaningful difference required more than individual efforts. “We understood that the sector goes beyond us. For a genuine impact, we needed the entire industry on board,” says Mokgethi.
The response was outstanding! Leading industry stakeholders – from government representatives to regulatory bodies like the Railway Safety Regulator, and training authorities such as TETA – attended. Furthermore, industry leaders like PRASA and various suppliers servicing the sector were also present, symbolising industry solidarity.
Mokgethi noted, “The success of today isn’t solely Traxtion’s achievement. It’s the culmination of an industry coming together.”
With initiatives like these, the rail sector underscores its commitment to a more inclusive future, laying tracks for young girls to chart their journey in rail.
Participants included:
- AfriSam
- Alstom Group
- Cast Products
- Central Technical College
- Denver Technical College
- DOT
- Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport
- Global Railway Engineering (Pty) Ltd
- Kulula Technologies
- Pamodzi Unique
- PRASA
- QCTO
- Railco Africa
- Railways Africa
- RSR
- SAFLOG
- TETA
- Transnet
- Tshwane North Tvet College
- VanRail