Bilbao City Council, Fundación Iberdrola España and Dones Mentores-Emakume Mentoreak launch a social mentoring network for women
- The project is aimed at women in Bilbao who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence and includes the creation, training and coordination of a local network of volunteer mentors. Its objective is to support participants in their recovery, resilience, autonomy, healing and social reintegration processes, while strengthening support networks among women.
- This tripartite agreement, worth €25,000, highlights the value of collaboration between public administrations, the private sector and social organisations as a driving force for high-impact social initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen social cohesion and improve the wellbeing and inclusion of people in vulnerable situations.
The Mayor of Bilbao, Juan Mari Aburto, and the Chairman of Fundación Iberdrola España, Jaime Alfonsín, held an institutional meeting today to mark the launch of the collaboration agreement signed between Bilbao City Council, Fundación Iberdrola España and the Association Dones Mentores-Emakume Mentoreak for the development of a gender-focused social mentoring project in the city.
The event was also attended by the Councillor for Equality and Festivals, Itziar Urtasun; the Director of Fundación Iberdrola España, Ramón Castresana; and the Director of the Association, Lores López, among other participants.
The project has a total budget of €25,000, of which €15,000 is provided by Fundación Iberdrola España and €10,000 by Bilbao City Council. The funding will support training, monitoring and mentoring activities, as well as the creation and coordination of a local network of mentors who will support other women in their recovery, personal development and empowerment processes. The initiative seeks to foster relationships based on trust and mutual support, contributing to participants’ wellbeing and social inclusion.
This partnership reflects the shared commitment of Bilbao City Council, Fundación Iberdrola España and Dones Mentores-Emakume Mentoreak to equal opportunities, social inclusion and the construction of a fairer and more cohesive society. It also demonstrates the value of cooperation between public administrations, social organisations and the private sector in promoting initiatives that have a positive impact on people’s lives.
In the words of the Mayor:
“Women in Bilbao who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence need access to resources, support spaces, trust and opportunities to rebuild their lives. This initiative strengthens community networks among women and helps ensure that those facing these situations have role models, guidance and the tools they need to move forward with greater autonomy. We will continue to prioritise collaborations such as this, enabling us to build a more equal, cohesive Bilbao free from violence against women.”
According to Jaime Alfonsín:
“At Fundación Iberdrola España, we firmly believe that collaboration between public administrations, social organisations and the private sector is essential to building a more inclusive, cohesive and equal society. This project reflects our commitment to initiatives that place people at the centre, strengthen community support networks and create genuine opportunities for those who need them most. Through this partnership, we are helping to foster the autonomy, wellbeing and social integration of women facing particularly vulnerable circumstances, reaffirming our commitment to equal opportunities and positive social impact.”
He also highlighted the celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary under the slogan “125 Years of Energy and Light” (“125 años luz”), an initiative that encompasses a broad programme of cultural, technological and social activities commemorating the company’s history and commitment to society.
For Lores López Gómez, Director of the Association:
“We are a social organisation with expertise in building mentoring networks around the recovery and resilience processes of women affected by gender-based violence. We have witnessed the positive impact of the gender-focused mentoring model we apply, and therefore we are grateful to Fundación Iberdrola España and Bilbao City Council for supporting social innovation in the city through this project.”
More than €12 million invested in social initiatives
Through Fundación Iberdrola España’s Social Programme, Iberdrola has allocated more than €12 million to social initiatives across Spain and has supported a total of 414,546 people. Since the programme was launched in 2010, the company has promoted more than 500 projects in collaboration with over one hundred social organisations, contributing to efforts to tackle child poverty, support education and promote the social inclusion of children, young people and women in vulnerable situations. The programme has also enabled the creation of 1,830 jobs and engaged 8,538 volunteers.
Fundación Iberdrola España also focuses its activities on scholarship programmes in the fields of energy, biodiversity and the environment; support for research on energy and climate change; and cultural initiatives aimed at the restoration and preservation of the artistic and cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula