In a remarkable display of its unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment, Iberdrola has been awarded the coveted EDGE, Economic Dividends for Gender Equality, certification. This global standard, established at the World Economic Forum in 2011, serves as a testament to Iberdrola's steadfast efforts in championing gender equality within its organization.
The EDGE certification process is a rigorous one, involving an independent external assessment that scrutinizes the company's policies, practices, and statistical data, as well as conducting comprehensive employee perception surveys. Iberdrola's achievement of the second-level certification, EDGE Move, is a testament to the significant progress the company has made in integrating equitable practices, a feat that is typically challenging to accomplish in the first year of application.
Ignacio S. Galán, Iberdrola's Executive Chairman, expressed his pride in this milestone, stating, Receiving this certification is further proof of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, which we have been promoting for decades among our over 40,000 employees. He emphasized the company's unwavering dedication to advancing along this path, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a more inclusive and diverse world, and ultimately, a fairer world for everyone.
Iberdrola's commitment to gender equality is evident in the remarkable strides it has made over the past year. The company has increased the number of women on its team by 8%, with women now holding 34.5% of leadership positions. Moreover, Iberdrola employs professionals from 93 different nationalities, showcasing its dedication to fostering a truly diverse and inclusive workforce.
The company's recognition extends beyond the EDGE certification. Iberdrola has been part of the prestigious Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for six consecutive years and has been named among the world's top companies for female inclusion by Forbes. These accolades serve as a testament to Iberdrola's steadfast commitment to creating an environment where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.
Notably, Iberdrola is one of only three energy companies worldwide to hold the EDGE certification and the sole company in its sector in Spain with this prestigious recognition. This achievement places Iberdrola among esteemed institutions such as the United Nations, the OECD, and the World Bank, further solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the realm of gender equality.
As Iberdrola sets its sights on the future, the company has ambitious goals to reach the highest level of EDGE certification, EDGE plus, by 2026. This certification includes commitments to diversity in gender, ethnicity, sexual identity/orientation, age, disability, and nationality, underscoring Iberdrola's unwavering commitment to creating a truly inclusive and equitable work environment.
Iberdrola's EDGE certification triumph is a testament to its visionary leadership and the unwavering dedication of its workforce. This achievement not only solidifies the company's position as a global leader in gender equality but also serves as an inspiration for other organizations to follow in its footsteps, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in the energy sector and beyond.
