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Despite women comprising over 50% of rail passengers, they represent only about 20% of the rail workforce in the EU. Against this background, the European Commission¡¯s , , the , the , the , and have united to launch the Women in Rail Award to promote fairness, diversity, and equality, and celebrate outstanding and inspiring women and their achievements in the rail sector.

The award, divided into three categories, recognizes the work of a woman or a group of people led by a woman having demonstrated achievements bringing the EU railway sector forward and/or overcoming obstacles for other women to thrive in the railway sector, or a company/organization¡¯s outstanding efforts in this regard.

Candidates will be able to apply for one of the following three award categories upon the launching of the next edition:

• The Women Empowerment Award recognizes a European company in the railway sector that has gone the extra-mile in making gender-balance a top priority and has fully integrated it in its day-to-day decisions and DNA.
• The Leadership and Mentoring Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and mentoring through concrete actions, helping women to make a positive impact in the European railway sector.
• The Research and Innovation Award recognizes a woman that has demonstrated outstanding work through research and innovation contributing to enhance the attractiveness and/or competitiveness of rail.

For the 2024 edition, the Jury awarded three exceptional initiatives:

• Maria-Luisa Dominguez, from ADIF, in the Leadership and Mentoring category, for her exemplary role in guiding the next generation of women in rail.
• Metro Istanbul, in the Women Empowerment category, for their commitment to fostering a workplace where women can thrive and advance.
• Veronica Elena Bocci, from DICTEFER, in the Research and Innovation category, for her significant contributions to rail technology and innovation.

By celebrating these achievements, the Women in Rail Award aims to inspire more women to join the rail sector, creating a pipeline of future talent and leadership that will shape the future of sustainable mobility in Europe, and beyond.