The Iberdrola Group, of which Neoenergia is part, has a long history of supporting projects that promote female empowerment. With more than 330,000 athletes supported in several countries, the company is the biggest supporter of women in European sports.
In 2016, in agreement with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, it became the main driver of the program Universo Mujer, an integral plan for the development of women and their personal evolution within society. Iberdrola also stands out as the main partner-sponsor of the Women's National Team, the U-19 and U-17 Teams, the Queen's Cup and the First Division of Women's Soccer - the Iberdrola League.
In 2019, it renewed its commitment to the project, and continued to offer support to different national federations. There are 16 women's sports federations supported: athletics, badminton, handball, boxing, ice sports, fencing, soccer, gymnastics, hockey, karate, rugby, canoeing, triathlon, ping-pong, surfing and volleyball.
The project was recognized as the Best Women's Soccer Initiative at the latest edition of the World Soccer Summit.
MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS
Among the many prides of the project, some recent achievements have gained prominence around the world:
- World record attendance at a women's soccer game in the Iberdrola League on March 17, 2019: Atletico de Madrid-Futbol Club Barcelona, 60,739 spectators.
- The Lionesses, European rugby champions 2019 for the fourth consecutive year. On March 29, 2019, the XV rugby team easily beat the Netherlands by 54-0 in a match that also became a milestone for being the women's rugby game with most spectators in Spain.
- Sandra Sánchez, karate world champion 2018 and karate European champion 2019 for the fifth consecutive year.
- Ana Peleteiro, European champion in triple jump in an indoor gym and Spain's record in athletics with a 14.73 meter jump that made history.
- Joana Pastrana, boxing world champion for the third time in 2019.
- Carolina Marín, European and World badminton champion for the third time in 2018.
- Teresa Portela, gold medal in canoeing at the 2018 Mediterranean Games (K1 200 meters).
SPORT AS A SOCIAL AGENT
Supporting sport is a strategic way to boost self-esteem, gain confidence and generate idols. In Spain, the number of female athletes increased by 32% in the first three years, and the sport is more competitive than years ago.
The stars become references for other women and girls, creating a virtuous cycle of female empowerment. The Universo Mujer Program has already helped more than 20 thousand athletes, and the "Mujer, Salud y Deporte" program, in 2018, reached 80 thousand people.
NEOENERGIA AND BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL
Like the Iberdrola Group, Neoenergia reinforces its commitment to promoting talent, gender equality and social development, which are pillars of the company. Its support for values such as teamwork and overcoming difficulties is shown through different projects.
In 2021, the company became the first exclusive sponsor of the Brazilian Women's Team. Sponsorship also extends to the U-19 and U-17 teams and to the national championship – the Brasileirão Neoenergia de Futebol Feminino.
In its corporate teams, the company currently has 43% women, with 44% of the Executive Board being female. The goal is for the percentage numbers to be even more expressive in the coming years.
Discover Neoenergia's projects in the Promotion of Gender Equality.