Queen Letizia chairs the Promociona Gathering

Her Majesty Queen Letizia of Spain today chaired the Promociona Gathering, which marked the end of the third edition of Promociona Project and ushered in this year’s new edition. Organised by ESADE as part of an initiative of the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, the Promociona Project aims to support female executives. The project is backed by the Spanish Confederation of Employers’ Organisations (CEOE) and receives 85% of its funding from the European Economic Area.

By teaching the programme on its Madrid campus, ESADE contributes to the Promociona Project’s stated goal of “increasing women’s access to executive posts and boards of directors” in Spain. The women selected to participate in the Promociona Project have a university degree, an average of 15 years of professional experience, and a position of responsibility at a company. One aim of the programme is to raise awareness and encourage the involvement of the business community. The women are selected for the project by their employers and receive their company’s support throughout the process, including various kinds of pre-programme work. The companies also pledge to actively work towards the women’s promotion after they complete the programme. Nearly 300 female executives have already participated in the three editions of the project carried out to date.

Initiative of the Ministry and the CEOE

The Promociona Gathering, held at the BBVA headquarters, was attended by Dolors Montserrat, Spanish Minister of Health, Social Services and Equality; Juan Rosell, President of the CEOE; and Francisco González, President of BBVA. Ms. Montserrat reaffirmed the Spanish government’s commitment to real and effective equality of opportunity for women and men. The Minister also noted that equality has a significant impact on economic growth and the innovative development of states, and added: “There must be a commitment on the part of society as a whole, through dialogue and agreements.”

Mr. Rosell thanked Ms. Montserrat for making the Promociona Gathering one of the first public events he has attended since assuming his new post. He noted that the main objective of the Promociona Project is to help women move into senior management posts and board appointments, while raising awareness within companies and in wider society.

Mr. González commented: “Well-managed diversity multiplies the impact of talent and entails a great competitive advantage.” He added: “In today’s disruptive environment, companies must encourage women’s presence because their contributions strengthen the organisations they work for.”

The Promociona Gathering included a short panel discussion featuring the participation of Luis de Torres, CEO of Sodexo HC LatAm & Brazil, sponsor of the fourth edition of the project; Belén Frau, CEO of IKEA Italy, sponsor of the third edition; and Pilar Cabrera, General Manager of Sacyr Portugal, who spoke on behalf of the women participating in the project.