'Working in the rail industry is the best kept secret'

As we celebrate 200 years of railway history, there's something deeply moving about sitting down with someone who’s witnessed and contributed to one of the industry's most significant transformations.

Rajinder Pryor MBE, Women in Rail trustee, also celebrates an anniversary in 2025: 20 years in the industry.

She embodies the evolution from a time when, in her experience, women were "invisible" across the railway to today, where they're progressively "becoming key strategic leaders and innovators".

The courage to be a culture warrior

When Rajinder reflects on her broader career, spanning from retail to railways, she speaks with the honesty of someone who's never been afraid to ruffle feathers.

"My options were simple," she says. "Change things or do nothing, and the latter wasn't viable for me."

As a woman of South Asian heritage in a male-dominated industry, Rajinder often felt different and isolated. Many times, she’d be the only woman and the only person of an ethnic minority background in meetings.

But rather than retreating, she chose to become what she calls a "culture warrior", speaking up when workplace behaviours and environments didn't align with her values.

"If it doesn't align with my values, it isn't for me. I call it out and move on if nothing changes,” she explains.

Centuries of inspiration

That courage, she says, comes from the challenges she has overcome and her Sikh faith - drawing inspiration from remarkable women throughout history.

Her role models span centuries:

• Mai Bhago, a Sikh warrior who was exceptionally skilled leading soldiers into battle in 1705.
• Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, the suffragette daughter of the last Sikh Maharaja Duleep Singh, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria.

In more recent times, she's been inspired by Adeline Ginn MBE, the founder of Women in Rail, who had the foresight to create an organisation that continues to drive systemic change.

The power of different perspectives

What makes Rajinder's story particularly compelling is how she articulates what women bring to an industry that literally keeps the country moving.

"We make up one half of the world, and where would any of us be without a woman?" She quickly adds that the same applies to men. Her point isn't about superiority, it's about wholeness.

As mothers and often primary caregivers, women juggle multiple priorities, bringing unique perspectives to everything from safety considerations to leadership styles.

"Let's take safety as an example," she suggests. "Women see things from a different lens -that's an opportunity missed if different perspectives aren't considered."

"Mixed teams learn from each other," she notes.

Breaking barriers

Rajinder's work extends far beyond her day job.

As a Women in Rail trustee, she leads the cross-industry mentoring programme, delivered by partner Moving Ahead.

But perhaps most importantly, she's been intentional about being a visible role model - something she knows matters deeply.

"You can't be it if you can't see it has definitely been embraced," she observes about the industry's growing emphasis on representation.

Rajinder was included in the book commemorating Indian independence, A British Tribute: 75 Years, 75 Women, 75 Words, where she represented the Great British railway.

This wasn’t just personal recognition. It was a statement about possibilities, showcasing opportunities in the rail industry, especially for women and those from South Asia.

Advice for the next generation

When asked what she'd tell a 16-year-old girl passionate about railways today, Rajinder's advice is practical, yet profound.

"Be curious. It's what drives your learning. Try different roles, have different experiences to find out where your interest lies."

But perhaps most importantly: "Be you! It’s exhausting trying to fit in or be something, someone you are not. We often forget, it's the uniqueness in people that makes a great team."

The best kept secret

As we mark this historic milestone, Rajinder sees reasons for optimism.

The industry is addressing everything from basic facilities for women to more complex cultural shifts around work-life balance and zero tolerance for poor behaviour.

Technology and AI are creating new opportunities, and younger generations are driving faster adoption of change.

"Working in the rail industry is the best kept secret," she says with genuine enthusiasm.

"The different role opportunities are immense. It's a place that continues to innovate, and in terms of purpose, it's a great place to serve communities."

Looking forward

Her message to future generations of women is clear: "The rail industry is open to everyone."

Coming from someone who's spent decades making that statement not just aspirational but increasingly true, those words carry weight.

In celebrating 200 years of railway history, we're not just looking back, we're moving forward, one inspiring story at a time.