Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2026 – Training and Accreditation Grants Available 

From road design to data analytics, women engineers are helping to lead the transition toward intelligent, sustainable and safer mobility. Their work plays an integral part in ensuring that roads are designed to protect all users. 

Yet, despite their growing impact, women remain underrepresented in engineering globally. Supporting their development, amplifying their voices, and creating equitable opportunities remain essential to building a more inclusive and effective profession. 

At iRAP, we see firsthand how diverse perspectives strengthen engineering outcomes – leading to safer roads and stronger communities. 

Engineering today is no longer just about physical design – it is about integrating data, digital tools, and human insight to deliver safer outcomes for all. 

Women engineers across the iRAP community are advancing #EngineeringIntelligence by: 

• Using data-driven methodologies to assess road risk 
• Applying innovative tools such as Star Ratings for roads and designs 
• Delivering safer infrastructure solutions in diverse environments 
• Translating technical knowledge into real-world safety improvements 

Their leadership demonstrates that intelligent engineering is not only about technology—but about purpose, impact, and people.

As part of our commitment to empowering female engineers, iRAP is proud to continue offering 30 Training and Accreditation Grants in celebration of INWED. 

These grants are designed to provide women engineers with the tools and knowledge needed to apply iRAP methodologies and drive meaningful road safety improvements. 

We are very grateful for the extraordinary support of the FIA Foundation to make these opportunities possible. 

About the Training and Accreditation Grants 

Thirty selected women engineers will receive free access to iRAP’s: 

• Star Rating Essentials course 
• Star Rating for Designs course 

These training programmess equip participants with practical skills to: 

• Assess road safety and risk 
• Develop safer road designs
• Implement evidence-based safety measures 

The courses are delivered in flexible, self-paced formats, allowing participants to learn at their own pace, wherever they are in the world. 

Building Expertise and Global Connections 

Upon successful completion, participants can become iRAP Accredited Practitioners gaining the expertise to: 

• Contribute to iRAP specification activities 
• Support the design and delivery of safer infrastructure 
• Strengthen their professional credentials and competitiveness 
• Join a global network of road safety professionals 

This capability-building is central to advancing engineering intelligence and ensuring that knowledge translates into real-world impact. 

Who is Eligible? 

Applicants must: 

• Be women with a background in road-related planning, design, or engineering 
• Not have previously completed the Star Rating Essentials or Star Rating for Designs courses 

Selection Process 

Grant recipients will be selected based on their responses to the following questions: 

• Why are you interested in learning more about iRAP’s methodology? 
• How will you use the knowledge and skills gained from these courses? 

Key Dates (indicative based on previous programme timing) 

• Applications Open: Today! Click here to submit your application
• Applications Close: 20 July 
• Recipients Announced: 7 August 

Terms and Conditions 

Applicants should note: 

• iRAP will select 30 female engineers to receive the grants 
• Applicants must demonstrate a clear and meaningful use of the training 
• Applicants must not already be beneficiaries of other iRAP projects 
• Selection is subject to iRAP procedures and criteria 
• Participation requires completion of coursework and assignments 

If selected, participants agree to: 

• Enrol within 3 months of selection 
• Complete both courses within 6 months of enrolment 
• Submit assignments to achieve accreditation
• Provide updates on how the training is being applied to improve road safety. 

iRAP reserves the right to amend, suspend, or revoke the grants at its discretion. 

This International Women in Engineering Day, iRAP calls on organisations, governments, and industry leaders to: 

• Invest in women’s capacity building in engineering 
• Promote inclusive and equitable opportunities 
• Support initiatives that strengthen engineering intelligence 
• Champion women leading innovation in road safety. 

The future of engineering depends on harnessing both diversity and intelligence- technical, digital, and human. By supporting women in engineering, we strengthen our collective ability to design safer, more resilient infrastructure systems. 

Through these Training and Accreditation Grants, iRAP continues its commitment to empowering women engineers with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to make a lasting impact. 

This INWED 2026, we celebrate the women who are leading the way—and invite the next generation to join them. 

 Together, creating a world free of high-risk roads.