The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility of the Government of the Canary Islands, Pablo Rodríguez, together with the General Director of Transport and Mobility, María Fernández, and the Managing Director of Puertos Canarios, José Gilberto Moreno, presented this morning a new edition of the 'Tribute Meeting to Women dedicated to the construction, transport and port sectors', with the aim of recognizing the work they carry out in the materialization of projects for the development of the archipelago.
In this line, Minister Pablo Rodríguez highlighted that "the celebration of the second edition of this meeting on the island of Lanzarote, on February 20, is an exceptional opportunity to value the work and influence of women in traditionally male-dominated sectors. The fact that areas such as public works, housing, transport and ports have always been marked by a notable male presence makes the recognition of those women who have stood out in these areas even more significant."
"This event not only has a purpose of visibility, but also of inspiration for future generations, by showing clear examples of success and female leadership in sectors so relevant to society. In that sense, this day promises to be an emotional act that will highlight the achievements of exceptional women," added Rodríguez.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, congratulated the Ministry for its commitment to promoting equal opportunities in traditionally male-dominated areas such as construction, transport and ports. "This meeting is, without a doubt, a platform to make visible the essential role of women and continue advancing towards a more equitable society. From the Cabildo of Lanzarote we fully support initiatives like this, because we believe that recognizing the effort and trajectory of these women is not only an act of justice, but also an inspiration for future generations. The women of Lanzarote and La Graciosa have always been a reference of entrepreneurship and courage, breaking barriers in sectors dominated by men and demonstrating with their talent and determination that success has no gender," he said.
For her part, the General Director of Transport and Mobility, María Fernández, pointed out that "it is an honor to announce the winners in this second edition, who are an example of dedication, talent and leadership in sectors so fundamental for the development of the Canary Islands. In the field of Transport and Mobility, the award-winning Esther Cabrera, CEO of Lanzarote Bus, has demonstrated a great vision and commitment at the head of the first discretionary transport company on the island. Her work goes beyond business management, standing out for her commitment to gender equality, as 70% of the positions of greater responsibility in her company are occupied by women. On the other hand, in Road Infrastructure, Nedelia Morales has stood out as one of the most relevant professionals in the public works sector. Her training in Public Works Engineering and her experience in key projects in the Canary Islands, such as the improvement of the GC-200 in Gran Canaria or the updating of the Vallehermoso - Arure road in La Gomera, are a reflection of her technical capacity and her leadership in large-scale projects."
"These two women have managed to position themselves as references in their respective fields, and their work inspires us to continue advancing in the promotion of female talent in key sectors for the development of the Canary Islands," Fernández detailed.
To conclude, the Managing Director of Puertos Canarios, José Gilberto Moreno, explained that "in the field of Ports, Soraima Méndez, who since 1994 has been a reference in the port sector, has demonstrated with her leadership and trajectory in Fred. Olsen Express that women have a fundamental role in areas historically dominated by men. She was the first woman to assume responsibility for cargo in the company, and has been key in the modernization and growth of maritime transport in the Canary Islands, contributing to efficiency in logistics management and the transit of goods."
He also added that "in the Housing sector, Flora Pescador has established herself as one of the most influential figures in architecture and urban planning in the Canary Islands. Her outstanding academic and professional career, together with her work on projects that have transformed both the urban landscape and the architecture of our archipelago, have positioned her as a reference. Her participation in key projects, such as the Special Plan for the Parque del Barranco de la Ballena or the rehabilitation of the Parque de San Telmo, make her one of the most recognized professionals in her field. Both award winners, Soraima Méndez and Flora Pescador, are a clear example of how women are breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark in fundamental sectors," Moreno concluded.