International Women’s Day 'Give to Gain': strengthening light rail through opportunity and support

This year's theme for International Women’s Day, taking place on Sunday 8th March, is Give to Gain, highlighting the value of supporting others and creating opportunities that allow individuals and organisations to grow together.

Across the light rail sector, collaboration has always been central to the planning and delivery of networks. The same principle applies to people. When knowledge is shared, confidence is built and space is created for others to step forward, the sector becomes stronger and better equipped for the future.

As part of International Women’s Day 2026, UKTram invited women from across the organisation and its leadership to reflect on two simple questions:

• What have you gained because someone gave you an opportunity? 

• What will you give this year to support others? 

The team’s reflections highlight how opportunity can take many forms:  a conversation, a chance taken on potential, mentoring at the right moment, or encouragement to step forward when confidence is still growing. 

Lorraine George - UKTram Business Manager

Lorraine reflects on how someone believing in her potential helped shape her path. 

“I always wanted to work in politics, but because I didn’t have a political degree I felt I might never get my foot in the door. Baroness Lorely Burt took a chance on my experience working in the law courts, councils and charities instead of focusing on a degree. 

The faith she had in me allowed me to flourish and hold my head high in any room. It also reaffirmed my belief that we should always give someone a chance, regardless of their background. You never know when you might find a diamond in the rough.” 

Nicola Small - Very Light Rail Programme Director for Coventry Council and Transport for West Midlands & UKTram Board Member 

For Nicola, an unexpected invitation led to a powerful experience speaking internationally. 

“I gained because someone believed I could speak on a global stage to an audience in a country I was initially nervous about visiting. Once there, I was surrounded by powerful female speakers, particularly from African countries, who really inspired me. 

Someone who really stood out was Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown in Sierra Leone, whose leadership and environmental initiatives were inspiring. It was also unusual to be at a transport conference where the balance of women and men felt much closer and where African voices were strongly represented. 

It reminded me how much we can learn from each other when different perspectives are brought into the conversation.” 

Chelsea Branch - UKTram Digital Marketing and Communications Manager

For Chelsea, the moment that shaped her career was a simple act of generosity. “Nearly five years ago, when I started out as a freelance Digital Marketer and a copywriter friend introduced me to Sarah, Head of Copy at Bright Blue Day.

“We'd never met, but she took the time to speak with me on the phone and sent a follow-up email breaking down everything I needed to know about getting started in copywriting and the digital marketing space. 

I still refer to that email today. It gave me confidence and the belief that I could do something I really wanted to do. Generosity and knowledge-sharing can completely change the direction of someone’s life.” 

Sophie Allison - Managing Director, West Midlands Metro and UKTram Board Member 

With extensive experience across the transport sector and a strong commitment to improving diversity within engineering and infrastructure, Sophie believes that progress depends on actively opening doors for others:

“This year I want to give more of my time to mentoring women, advocating for diversity and creating opportunities in an industry where there are still relatively few of us. 

"Having often been one of the only women in the room, I understand the challenges and the importance of representation. I hope that by sharing experiences and supporting others stepping into leadership roles, I can help build a more inclusive industry where everyone can thrive.” 

Lindsay Murphy -  Director and LEMentary Ltd and UKTram Board Member 

Lindsay highlights how mentoring and encouragement can work both ways. 

“I love working with bright young people entering the sector. Their enthusiasm is infectious; I get as much from them as they do from me. Showing them that working with a grumpy old woman is at least as much fun as working with a grumpy old man!

“Additionally, I was so proud of Hannah, one of our junior consultants at TXM, when I asked her to step up to be one of the presenters at the Light Rail Awards. 

“Earlier in my career, two people made a huge difference to me. Jim Harries introduced me to opportunities in Manchester and Clive Pennington supported and coached me when I was considering applying for the Head of Engineering role in Nottingham.

Their encouragement gave me the confidence to take that step and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.” 

As the light rail sector continues to evolve, building the future workforce and leadership it needs will depend on intentional acts of support and shared responsibility. When knowledge is shared and opportunities are created, the impact extends far beyond the individual.

From everyone at UKTram, we wish colleagues and partners across the sector a meaningful and inspiring International Women’s Day.