Women in Rail Award 2025: EU’s Equality Drive for Rail Innovation

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Introduction

The Women in Rail Award 2025, organized by the European Commission, the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail), CER, UNIFE, EIM, and the Federation of European Train Drivers’ Union ALE, were presented in Kraków, Poland, during the European Rail Safety Days. The awards recognize individuals and organizations advancing gender equality, innovation, and educational empowerment in the railway sector.

Award Categories and Objectives

The 2025 edition of the awards included four categories designed to reflect key priorities for a more inclusive and sustainable rail industry. A new category, the Next Generation Rail Award, was introduced this year to highlight initiatives supporting young people and inspiring girls and women to pursue careers in rail.

Selection Process

The jury reviewed applications from across the EU and associated countries to determine the winners.

Ceremony Address

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of greater inclusion in the rail sector.

Commissioner’s Statement

Commissioner Tzitzikostas stated, “Promoting greater participation of women in the rail sector benefits the entire industry and its passengers. This award reminds us that railways must be open and fair to everyone, in how we design trains, build them, and run them. When more women join and take part, rail becomes stronger, more modern, and better at serving society.”

Conclusion

The Women in Rail Award 2025, organized by several European rail organizations and the European Commission, were presented in Kraków, Poland. The awards focused on recognizing individuals and organizations advancing gender equality, innovation, and educational empowerment within the railway sector.

Company Summary

European Commission: An institution of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.

European Union Agency for Railways (ERA): An EU agency that promotes the development of a Single European Railway Area. It aims to improve the interoperability and safety of the railway system.

Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking (EU-Rail): A public-private partnership that manages research and innovation activities to accelerate the development of an integrated, sustainable, and attractive European railway system.

CER: An association representing European railway undertakings.

UNIFE: The Association of the European Rail Supply Industry, representing manufacturers of railway equipment.

EIM: An association representing infrastructure managers in Europe.

Federation of European Train Drivers’ Union ALE: An organization representing train drivers’ unions in Europe.

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