‘Women in Rail’ report shows rising female participation
The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) recently presented their ‘Women in Rail’ report for 2025 in Brussels.
The study, covering 29 companies with nearly 700,000 employees and 21 trade unions, shows women now represent 23% of the European railway workforce, up from 21% in 2018. Among new hires, the share has reached 25%. More than 90% of the companies have adopted the binding ‘2021 Women in Rail’ agreement, while 93% support work-life balance with flexible arrangements, and 89% have reporting mechanisms against harassment.
ETF’s Livia Spera stressed progress but pointed to remaining challenges, while CER’s Alberto Mazzola highlighted social dialogue as a driver of change. Despite low representation in technical roles such as drivers and maintenance, the trend in recruitment indicates a gradual improvement. (ah)