The railroad traffic controller profession in Ukraine still thrives and most of them are women. Photographer Sasha Maslov captures female workers of Ukrainian railway companies across the country to compile them in his photo book, Ukrainian Railroad Ladies.
The book is a submission to Sony World Photography Award. This project explores the profession in the 21st century given the advancement in the feat of engineering gives automatization of railways.
History
With some parts already progressed with technology, rail attendants today spend less time signaling and more towards policing and warning motorists. According to Maslov, “Ukrainians are notoriously not law-abiding. If there is no watcher, people will go around the barriers to beat a moving train.” With the passing of the train, the women stood still like a beacon, defying the passage of time.
With the country’s history of turmoil, the crime rate rose and some of the railway buildings were vandalized. Hence, some took the steps to cover them with protective wiring. As the larger issues consume the country’s progression, these women play a silent yet huge role in the passage of both time and place. It is easy to overlook them. Maslov’s childhood memories of the train bring us back to the nostalgia as a child. The experience of electric trains is totally different than the classic trains; a reminder of simpler times.
Work is Home
The women often have to spend long shifts in the building that become their personal home. They add personal touches to the interiors like photographs, lace curtains, mini gardens, and religious artifacts. Making the quaint space look cozy and homey. In small villages, a station can be a social hub where residents gather and catch up with the local gossip.
“In this series I explore my childhood fascination with railroads and the fairy-tale houses that stand beside the tracks. As a photographer I was drawn to the architecture and interiors of these buildings. As a storyteller I was attracted by the anthropological and social roles played by the crossings and the workers. During the course of this project it occurred to me that the crossings are reassuringly permanent – they stand firm in the face of constant change. Unfazed by the passing of trains and time, they are here to stay.” – Sasha Maslov, photographer.
With the photo book, Sasha ended up becoming one of the finalists in the Sony World Photography Award. Through here, he was able to tell the story of his childhood and the unsung heroes of his country.
Most of the women photographed were excited to share their experiences with her. We could take this as inspiration that no matter what you do in this world, your contribution will always matter. Never think of your deeds as insignificant as you’ll never know who or what you could affect. Sasha Maslov published the photo book late last year to unearth these women as a part of Ukrainian heritage that is still standing strong. You may check the book’s website here.
Source: National Geographic, NYTimes, Railroad Ladies