Commission and EU rail sector open nominations for Women in Rail Award 2026

Women continue to be significantly underrepresented in the railway workforce. In support of ongoing efforts to address this imbalance and promote greater diversity and inclusion across the sector, the European Commission and the EU rail sector are organising the 2026 Women in Rail Award.

Organised in the context of InnoTrans 2026, where the award ceremony will take place, this year’s Award will highlight individuals, teams and organisations that are driving change and creating concrete opportunities for women in the railway sector.

The 2026 edition features four award categories:

• Women Empowerment and Leadership Award - Recognises a railway company, or organisation that has successfully embedded gender equality into its strategy and daily operations, achieving measurable progress, or a woman who has shown outstanding leadership and actively promoted inclusion and equal opportunities in the railway sector.
• R&I in Railway Award - Recognises a female researcher or engineer whose work has significantly contributed to innovation and progress in the European rail sector.
• Next Generation in Rail Award - Highlights educational initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in the railway sector.
• Women in Rail Operations Award - Honours the work of women in operational roles, such as train drivers and, in particular, staff involved in critical operations, who demonstrate operational excellence, and contribute to railway safety and efficiency.

Applications and nominations are open until 23 April 2026 at 12:00 CET (noon).

Apply here.

Background

In Europe, women only account for around 23% of the railway sector workforce.

Against this background, the European Commission’s Women in Transport Platform, Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE), the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) and Federation of European Train Drivers´ Unions (ALE) have united to launch the Women in Rail Award, promotes fairness, diversity, and equality, and celebrates outstanding and inspiring women and their achievements in the rail sector.