La Fundación Iberdrola España supports two social projects that create new opportunities for women and children in vulnerable situations across the Region of Murcia
- The Foundation collaborates with two initiatives focused on the social and labour inclusion of women who are survivors of gender-based violence, as well as educational and family support for children and adolescents at risk of social exclusion.
- Through its Social Programme – Future with Energy, the Iberdrola Spain Foundation supports more than 40 social organisations every year.
The Social Action team of the Iberdrola Spain Foundation has visited two social projects promoting inclusion and equal opportunities, aimed at improving the quality of life of women who are survivors of gender-based violence, as well as children and adolescents living in situations of vulnerability and neglect across several municipalities in the Region of Murcia.
On the one hand, ECCA Social Foundation is implementing a programme to support the social and labour market integration of women who are survivors of gender-based violence. Its main objective is to foster the holistic recovery and autonomy of 80 women through psychological support, legal advice, career guidance, vocational training and personalised mentoring to strengthen both their economic and emotional independence. The project also incorporates innovative tools such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence to enhance employability-related skills and competencies, alongside a mentoring and peer-support community.
According to Rafael Bernad, Delegate of ECCA Social Murcia: “The organisation walks alongside women who have experienced gender-based violence, supporting them through processes that, although often beginning in pain and vulnerability, can lead to recovery, autonomy and hope. Every woman has her own story and journey. Listening to their voices and sharing their experiences allows us to better understand their realities, recognise their progress and appreciate the strength with which they rebuild their lives.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Iberdrola Spain Foundation for its social commitment and support for initiatives that place people at the centre. Behind every project lie stories, opportunities and new beginnings; accompanying, listening and creating opportunities can become the driving force needed to transform realities and change lives. We support people, we build the future.
The organisation expects the project to have a direct impact on the 80 women participating in the programme and an indirect impact on around 200 family members, including children and other dependants living with them.
Meanwhile, Cáritas Diocese of Cartagena is delivering its Murcia Region Child Support Network project, a programme designed to tackle child poverty and school dropout through comprehensive educational and family support. The organisation expects to reach 412 children and young people and 266 families across several municipalities in the region, including Cehegín, Cartagena, Jumilla, Lorca and Torre Pacheco. Participants receive educational support, socio-educational activities, summer schools, food assistance and family guidance.
For Jesús Martínez-Pujalte López, director of Cáritas Diocese of Cartagena:“Breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty requires providing children with sufficient socio-educational resources to overcome the disadvantages they face at home. The Iberdrola Spain Foundation understands this reality and supports vulnerable children and young people through Cáritas.” The organisation also works closely with participating schools, social services and other organisations, while carrying out awareness-raising activities aimed at supporting the comprehensive development of children and adolescents and preventing situations of social exclusion.
According to Teresa Rodríguez de Tembleque, Head of Social Action at the Iberdrola Spain Foundation: “At the Foundation, we believe that equal opportunities are built through education, support and the protection of those most vulnerable. That is why we support the work of ECCA Social and Cáritas Diocese of Cartagena, helping women, children and young people develop their life projects with greater autonomy, security and prospects for the future.”
More than €12 million invested in social initiatives
Through its Future with Energy Social Programme, the Iberdrola Spain Foundation has invested more than €12 million in social initiatives across Spain, benefiting a total of 414,546 people. Since the programme was launched in 2010, the Foundation has supported more than 500 projects in partnership with over one hundred social organisations, helping to combat child poverty, provide educational support and foster the social inclusion of vulnerable children, young people and women. The programme has also contributed to the creation of 1,830 jobs and engaged 8,538 volunteers.