The European Commission, together with several representative organizations from the European rail sector, announces the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of the Women in Rail Award, an award that aims to highlight individuals, teams, and organizations that make a tangible contribution to increasing the presence of women in the rail industry.
Currently, women account for only about 23% of the workforce in the European rail sector, according to data presented by the organizers. Against this backdrop, the initiative aims to support diversity and inclusion in a field where women remain significantly underrepresented.
The award is organized in conjunction with InnoTrans 2026, and the award ceremony will take place during the event.
Four categories for the 2026 edition
This year’s edition features four award categories, covering leadership and inclusion as well as research, education, and operational activities in the railway sector.
The first category, the Women Empowerment and Leadership Award, recognizes either a railway company or organization that has successfully integrated gender equality into its strategy and current operations, with measurable results, or a woman who has demonstrated leadership and actively promoted inclusion and equal opportunities in the sector.
The R&I in Railway Award category is dedicated to a female researcher or engineer whose work has significantly contributed to innovation and progress in the European railway sector.
The Next Generation in Rail Award will highlight educational initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in the railway sector.
The fourth category, Women in Rail Operations Award, is dedicated to women working in operational roles, such as locomotive engineers or personnel involved in activities critical to operations, safety, and efficiency.
Applications open until April 23
According to the announcement, applications and nominations may be submitted until April 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CET.
The Women in Rail Award is supported by the Women in Transport Platform of the European Commission, alongside Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), UNIFE, European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), and the Federation of European Train Drivers’ Unions (ALE).
The organizers say the award aims to promote fairness, diversity, and equality, as well as to highlight women who have made outstanding contributions to the European rail sector.
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