My perspective on the novel so far is that Rand continues to emphasize Dagny's character as one who is plenty capable of doing what other men can or cannot do. Dagny is continuously referenced as the under appreciated worker of Taggart Transcontinental, or, the main fuel that runs the locomotive giant that is Taggart Transcontinental. Why? Well, Rand being a woman herself, she must see herself in the same light that she characterizes Dagny.
At the time of publication, women were still fighting for their respect in the United States. The novel hints at how absurd it would be for a woman to be Operating Vice-President of the company. Albeit all of these doubts people had on Dagny and women as a whole, she overcomes them, and becomes Operating VP. Not only that, she continuously seems to be the only driving force or savior of the company. She makes her own independent decisions and does things she feels are right for the good of the company, much like her idol, Nathaniel Taggart.
Rand parallels Dagny to Nathaniel to show how Dagny is the last true born leader of the company, and that even a woman can be in action with the same intent that Nathaniel was, to make the company better, whereas James, the current leader, is seeking personal economic gains with the creation of the San Sebastian Line. Dagny autonomously decides to cut back on the San Sebastian Line, and focus those savings on the Rio Norte Line. This decision is described in the novel as being the last stepping stone towards the rebirth of the Taggart Transcontinental, and of course, its Dagny's decision, once again emphasizing the female gender.
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