Corporate commitment to equality, the central focus of BWAW

 

The second day of the Barcelona Woman Acceleration Week (BWAW), held this March 5, 2026 in the DFactory Barcelona, has analyzed how corporations, the hubs technology and the sector real estate market They are key drivers for achieving gender parity and boosting competitiveness in the international economy.

 

The role of corporations in managerial parity

 

During the meeting, organized by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), critical data on the current state of female leadership have been presented. Blanca Sorigué, general director of CZFB, warned that, although in In Spain, 38,4% of management positions are held by women.Global parity will not be achieved until 2051 if the current rate of progression is maintained.

 

In the session dedicated to purpose-driven brands, executives from various sectors shared their vision on corporate social responsibility. Isabel Pérez, director of the digital & IT hub of Novartis, highlighted the growth of the hubs technological in Barcelona, noting that, despite employing more than 46.000 people, the female presence in pharmaceutical technology centers stands at 31%.

 

Data and indicators of equality in the business sector

 

The gender pay gap and the underrepresentation of women in top management positions remain the main obstacles to the internationalization of female talent. According to figures presented at the event, the pay gap in leadership roles and limited access to CEO positions are shaping the policy agenda. human resources y foreign trade.

 

Female Leadership Indicator	Percentage / Data
Global Management Positions (Women)	34 %
Management positions in Spain (Women)	38,4 %
Women in CEO positions	19,3 %
Executive pay gap in Spain	12,9 %
Access to General Management positions	9,2 %
Women in pharmaceutical technology hubs (Barcelona)	31 %

 

Sectoral perspectives: Logistics, Housing and Communication

 

The debate has also extended to strategic sectors such as rail and real estate. Alicia Valle, general director of Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), emphasized that, since women make up 60% of the service's users, production must incorporate their perspective. On the other hand, executives such as Anna Gener (Savills) and Ferran Marsà (La Llave de OroThey addressed the housing shortage as a structural challenge of modern cities.

 

In the field of communication and Artificial IntelligenceThe experts concluded that, although AI is a powerful tool for efficiency, it does not replace truthful reporting. Mabel Mas, El PeriódicoShe emphasized the need to "make visible that 25% of senior female executives we have in Spain" through an active effort by media outlets.

 

• Talent: Talent knows no gender or age, according to Ana Palencia (Unilever España).
• Work Environment: It is necessary to create favorable environments to promote female leadership through team management, she noted. Dina Bueno (EBRO Factory).
• Governance: Multilateral collaboration is essential to advancing women's rights, according to representatives of ONU Mujeres España y FEDEPE.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about BWAW 2026

 

When is global parity in management positions expected to be achieved?

According to the data presented by the CZFBAt the current rate of growth, gender parity in management positions worldwide will not be achieved until 2051.

 

What is the current situation of the managerial pay gap in Spain?

Women in management positions in España They receive 12,9% less salary than their male counterparts in similar positions.

 

What impact does the technology sector have on female employment in Barcelona?

At the end of 2025, Barcelona It had more than 200 technology hubs. The pharmaceutical industry has been the main driver of female employment in these centers, although women represent only 31% of the specialized staff.

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