‘A public administration or institution that stands out for its projects in women’s leadership and that has equality as its banner’. This is what this award that FIAP received in Bilbao recognises. These awards, promoted by the Association of Women in the Public Sector, seek to highlight initiatives that have made a tangible contribution to female empowerment within public administrations.

The Foundation has led key European projects such as EUROsociAL+, EL PAcCTO, Bridging the Gap, COPOLAD and Euroclima that promote women’s leadership in sectors such as justice, security, the environment and digital transformation. These actions have favoured the participation of women in spaces of power and decision-making, as well as promoting inclusive regulations for women with disabilities and reducing structural gaps in public employment.

The award also recognises FIAP’s internal efforts to promote gender equality in its organisational structure. With a team composed mostly of women, a high presence of women in management positions and a strong Equality Plan, FIAP ensures that every project incorporates a feminist and transformative approach. Furthermore, its leadership in international networks such as the Gender Group of the Practitioners’ Network reinforces its role as a key player in the promotion of good practices in gender equality at a global level.

‘It is not only about applying a gender perspective in our projects, but also about integrating it in the way we do, decide and lead. At FIAP we show that it is possible to build more egalitarian institutions, where women occupy decision-making positions where leadership is exercised from inclusion, justice and diversity,’ explained Patricia Mate, specialist in gender mainstreaming at FIAP.

This recognition as a Benchmark Institution for Women’s Leadership reflects FIAP’s strong and consistent commitment to gender equality and feminist transformation of the public sector.