Women in Rail Award 2026 opens nominations across Europe

Women in Rail Award 2026 has opened for nominations. The European Commission is presenting the initiative. Several representative organizations from the European rail sector are involved as well. The aim is to recognize such efforts. Those efforts help increase the presence of women in the industry.

According to data presented by the organizers, women account for only around 23%. That figure covers the workforce in the European rail sector. Also, the initiative is intended to support diversity and inclusion. Women remain significantly underrepresented in the field.

Women in Rail Award 2026 categories

Meanwhile, this year’s edition includes four categories. They cover leadership and inclusion. They also cover research, education, and operational activities in the railway sector.

For example, the Women Empowerment and Leadership Award can go to a railway company. It can also go to an organization. It must have integrated gender equality into its strategy and current operations with measurable results. In addition, the category can honor a woman who has demonstrated leadership. She must have actively promoted inclusion and equal opportunities in the sector.

Separately, the R&I in Railway Award is for a female researcher or engineer. Her work must have contributed to innovation and progress in the European railway sector.

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At the same time, the Next Generation in Rail Award recognizes educational initiatives. They encourage girls and young women to pursue railway studies and careers.

Still, the Women in Rail Operations Award is for women in operational roles. This includes locomotive engineers. It also covers personnel involved in activities critical to operations, safety, and efficiency.

InnoTrans 2026 and the application deadline

Meanwhile, the award is organized in conjunction with InnoTrans 2026. The ceremony will take place during the event. Also, applications and nominations may be submitted until April 23, 2026. The deadline is 12:00 p.m. CET.

Organizations supporting the initiative

The Women in Rail Award is supported by:

• the Women in Transport Platform of the European Commission;
• 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);
• the Federation of European Train Drivers’ Unions (ALE).

In addition, the organizers say the award aims to promote fairness, diversity, and equality. They also say it highlights women with outstanding contributions to the European rail sector.

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