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

Empowering Female Engineers through #EngineeringIntelligence

International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026 is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women engineers worldwide and to recognise their critical role in shaping a safer, smarter and more sustainable road infrastructure around the world.  

This year’s theme, #EngineeringIntelligence, highlights the fusion of data, innovation, and human expertise to solve complex global road safety challenges. 

iRAP is proud to champion women engineers who are applying engineering intelligence to design safer roads, reduce risk, and save lives. 

Women Driving Safer, Smarter Infrastructure

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. 

#EngineeringIntelligence in Action

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.

Continuing Our Commitment: Training and Accreditation Grants

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 Fundação FIA to make these opportunities possible. 

Sobre os Subsídios de Treinamento e Credenciamento 

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

  • Curso Essenciais de Classificação por Estrelas 
  • 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. 

Quem é elegível? 

Applicants must: 

  • Be Mulheres com experiência em planejamento, projeto ou engenharia relacionados a rodovias 
  • Not have previously completed the Star Rating Essentials or Star Rating for Designs courses 

Processo Seletivo 

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

  • Por que você está interessado em saber mais sobre a metodologia da iRAP? 
  • Como você usará o conhecimento e as habilidades adquiridas nestes cursos? 

Key Dates (indicative based on previous programme timing) 

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. 

Um Chamado à Ação 

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. 

Shaping the Future Together 

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. 

 Juntos, criando um mundo livre de estradas de alto risco. 

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