Women in Rail Award 2025: Winners Announced

Kraków, 1 October 2025 – The 2025 edition of the Women in Rail Award was celebrated yesterday in Kraków, Poland, as part of the European Rail Safety Days, recognising outstanding contributions to gender equality, innovation and inclusion across the European rail sector. Organised by the European Commission, 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, this year’s ceremony reflected a growing movement to foster diversity and attract more women into the railway industry.

Now in its third edition, the Women in Rail Award has evolved into a flagship initiative supporting systemic change within the sector. It celebrates excellence, strengthens visibility for female professionals and promotes inclusive best practices across organisations and institutions. For 2025, the award featured four categories, including the new Next Generation in Rail category, introduced to recognise educational initiatives that inspire girls and young women to pursue careers in rail, from early education through to university and vocational pathways.

Marking Progress, Expanding Impact

The event also marked the release of the 2025 Women in Rail Report, which highlights steady progress in female representation across the sector. Women now make up 23% of the railway workforce, an increase from 21% in 2018. Encouragingly, 80% of surveyed companies have adopted gender equality policy frameworks, with gains also seen in roles such as train drivers, traffic managers, on-board personnel and middle to senior management positions.

Despite these positive developments, organisers stressed the need for continued commitment. By recognising impactful role models and organisations, the Women in Rail Award encourages others to take concrete steps toward a more inclusive and sustainable rail sector.

Meet the 2025 Winners

After a thorough evaluation of applications from across the European Union and associated countries, the jury selected the following awardees:

• Federica Santini (Trenitalia) – Leadership and Mentoring category
  Honoured for her outstanding efforts in creating tangible career opportunities for women in rail.

• Jeanne-Marie Dalbavie (IKOS Lab Consulting) – Research and Innovation category
  Recognised for her significant contributions to railway engineering and innovation.

• Diana Binnenpoorte (ProRail) – Women Empowerment category
  Awarded for her ongoing work in fostering a professional environment where women can thrive and advance.

• Kerstin Wagner & Franciska Manck (DB), Ciaran Masterson (Irish Rail), and Angeles Tauler Alcaraz (Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles) – Next Generation in Rail category
  Celebrated for their educational and outreach initiatives that encourage girls and young women (ages 6–25) to explore opportunities in the rail sector.

The winners presented their initiatives during the European Rail Safety Days, gaining visibility and support from policymakers, stakeholders and industry peers. Their achievements were also showcased in the thematic workshop “Next Stop: Gender Equality in Railways”, focused on advancing inclusion and diversity across the industry.

A Shared Commitment

The importance of this collective effort was echoed by Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission:

“Getting more women into rail is a win-win for everyone involved, and we consider this annual award a powerful call to action for the whole sector. Increasing diversity in what rail offers to its users will help meet the needs of a broader and more varied clientele. Wouldn’t it be much easier to ensure that rail can meet the needs of female passengers if women are actively involved in design, manufacturing, and operational decision-making? I believe that improving diversity will help rail expand its offerings, and that a broader range of services will lead to a greater market share. It is also an investment in the future, making rail more modern, agile, competitive, and better equipped to fulfil its societal role.”

Oana Gherghinescu, Executive Director of ERA, added:

“The Women in Rail Award is more than a recognition of outstanding professionals and emerging talents that dedicate their knowledge and passion to the rail sector. It is a movement. A movement towards a better future for railways, marked by equality, inclusion, and opportunity. By celebrating role models and fostering inclusive practices, we are reflecting the diversity of Europe itself. This initiative, if sustained collectively and continuously by institutions, industry, and the education system, can help build a railway sector where women bring their vision and drive to the European project.”

Looking Ahead

As the rail sector continues to modernise and evolve, initiatives like the Women in Rail Award play a crucial role in shaping a workforce that reflects the values and diversity of European society. Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking and all partnering organisations reaffirm their commitment to building a future where gender equality is not only a goal but a shared standard.

For more information on the winners and the Women in Rail Award, visit:
https://www.era.europa.eu/content/women-rail-award-2025