Women in Rail Award

The Women in Rail Award recognises the achievements of women, teams and organisations that are advancing gender equality, innovation and excellence across the European rail sector. The 2025 edition is organised by the European Commission’s Women in Transport Platform, in collaboration with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), the UNIFE - The European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE), the European Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM), and the Federation of European Train Drivers’ Unions (ALE). This edition will highlight efforts in four areas - Women empowerment, Leadership and mentoring, Research and innovation, and Inspiring the next generation. Winners will be celebrated during the European Rail Safety Days in Kraków, on 1 October 2025.

The 2024 edition took place during InnoTrans in Berlin, where the European Commission, Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking and the European Union Agency for Railways honoured three outstanding contributors - Maria-Luisa Dominguez of ADIF for leadership and mentoring, Metro Istanbul for the empowerment of women, and Veronica Elena Bocci of DICTEFER for research and innovation. These awards showcased the critical role of female talent in shaping a competitive and sustainable rail sector.

Applications for the 2025 edition are now open and can be submitted by individuals, companies, and organisations across the European rail community. The deadline to apply is 6 June 2025 (midnight CEST). The winners will be formally recognised at the European Rail Safety Days 2025 in Kraków, Poland, on 1 October, where they will have the opportunity to present their work and participate in high-level stakeholder events, networking sessions, and discussions on the future of rail in Europe.

How to apply and more information can be found here and here.