International Women’s Day allows us to recognise the women who help keep Melbourne moving.

Women at Metro work in every role at every level of the organisation. Metro is striving to be a workplace where all employees can access equal resources and opportunities, and people of all genders and backgrounds feel safe and supported to bring their whole selves to work.

Five of our frontline female employees share a bit about their journey and what it’s like working at Metro, and what International Women’s Day and the 2025 theme, ‘March Forward’, means to them.

scheme was being touted in a previous company I worked for and it’s refreshing that we are normalising childrearing to both parents in different companies across Australia.

I’m proud to be a trusted leader in the HMaC team, setting a positive example for future female engineers entering the industry, acknowledging that collectively we can continue to accomplish change in this space.

leadership. Personally, I was always determined to work hard to advance my career. Even though there wasn’t a lot of female Station Masters, I knew I could succeed. Metro now actively supports women in their roles and provides courses and training for women.

I think that March Forward talks to women in all professions about making bold, decisive steps and to be committed in taking those steps forward.

There are many moments that I am proud of in my career, but what I am most proud of is gaining the role as Senior Station Master of Town Hall and becoming a Metro Tunnel trainer for staff who will make up the teams at the five new stations.

Yasmin Valladares, Driver Ringwood Depot, Train Services

“During my train driver traineeship, it was refreshing to see a full class of females. I hope that as a train driver, I can influence more women to join the transport industry.”

I joined Metro in 2021 as a train driver operating the Belgrave, Lilydale, Mernda, Hurstbridge, Glen Waverley, and Alamein lines.

International Women’s Day is about recognising and celebrating the achievements and progress women have made and an opportunity to continue to educate and raise awareness about women’s equality. This year’s theme March Forward represents that together and united we need to keep pushing forward, continue to break down barriers and strive for more progress.

At Metro, I’ve observed more women in roles including train drivers, signal technicians and workshop coordinators that used to be mainly male dominated. It’s great to see women being provided with the opportunity to step into these roles and excel in them. This not only promotes gender equality, however, brings fresh perspectives and diverse skills which helps improve the overall work environment. This is a positive shift in the right direction which hopefully encourages more women to take on leadership roles.

I’m proud that I completed a rigorous nine-month train driving traineeship and successfully qualified to receive my keys towards a job I enjoy doing daily. During my traineeship, it was refreshing to see a full class of females. This demonstrates that Metro is pushing for an equal ratio of female and male drivers. I’m hoping through my role as a train driver, I can influence more women to join the transport industry – I’m pleased this has already occurred, with a female at my gym hearing my story and joining Metro as a train driver.

Rebecca Saniga, Senior Cost Controller, Metropolitan Roads Program Alliance

“Supporting other women is important to me. March Forward encourages everyone to get involved and stay involved in the effort to achieve gender equality.”

I joined Metro three years ago in the Melbourne Airport Rail team as a Cost Controller. I’ve since moved into the Metropolitan Roads Program Alliance and achieved a promotion to Senior Cost Controller.

I’ve been lucky to have positive role models including my mother, who was our family breadwinner, and colleagues who have been my champions, to help me achieve success in my career. When I discover the struggles, discrimination and exclusion some women must overcome, I am struck by how their experiences contrast to mine. If I can have supportive colleagues and opportunities, then why can’t everyone else? It drives my passion for gender equality.

Supporting other women is important to me. I recently trained a new team member who was then able to secure another great role in another part of the business. It was rewarding to see their confidence grow, and to provide guidance during their application and interview process. Being able to support others in the way I have been supported is really gratifying.

To me, the International Women’s Day theme March Forward means we can’t slow down now. While progress is being made, March Forward encourages everyone to get involved and stay involved in the effort to achieve gender equality.

Bel McCreddan, Works Officer, Infrastructure

“Metro is providing women with the resources they need to thrive in a traditionally male dominated industry.”

I’m a chef by trade and transitioned into the rail industry in 2019 in the Safeworking field. In October 2022, I joined Metro as a Track Force Protection Coordinator. Last month, I stepped into my new role as a Works Officer – the first female Works Officer in Metro.

I have noticed significant strides towards gender equality at Metro. Metro have been actively improving facilities for women, including upgraded bathroom and shower amenities. Additionally, Metro now provides Personal Protective Equipment specifically designed for women, ensuring a better fit, comfort, and safety on the job. These changes reflect a broader commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace, where women are given the resources they need to thrive in traditionally a male dominated industry.

My proudest achievement at Metro is becoming their first female Works Officer. After just one year with Metro, I was given the opportunity to backfill a Works Officer role for what was initially meant to be six weeks. That short term opportunity turned into 13 incredible months. The support and encouragement I received from my colleagues and team has been truly remarkable, fostering an environment where I feel valued and empowered, and have been supported to develop the skills and confidence I need to succeed in this role. The journey has been challenging and rewarding, and I am incredibly grateful to be a part of a team that champions growth, inclusion and support.