For the fifth year running, the FCC Group wanted to recognise and reward the work carried out by organisations and associations that fight against gender violence and care for women who are victims of this social scourge. In this fifth edition, the award went to the 016 Service, provided by the Government Delegation against Gender Violence, for legal advice and immediate psychosocial care by specialised personnel for all forms of violence against women.

The award ceremony took place this morning at FCC's corporate headquarters in Las Tablas, Madrid, as part of this week's events to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

On behalf of the Government Delegation against Gender Violence, the award was collected by Macarena Gamir, Deputy Director General for Inter-institutional Coordination on Gender Violence, from Pedro Carranza, CEO of the Cementos Portland Valderrivas Group, a company that forms part of the FCC Group.

With this act, we at FCC demand equality between men and women and reject all acts of violence. It is necessary to work to ensure that education and awareness-raising against harassment and gender violence in all its forms reaches the entire population, regardless of their level of education. It is a joint task in which the sum of efforts will mark the path to success.

Our commitments include disseminating and promoting awareness and denunciation campaigns, as we have been doing in our Group every year, and at international level, as well as joining forces with institutions, organisations and associations to make their campaigns and information reach as many people as possible. It is a joint task in which the sum of our efforts will mark the path to success.

From left to right, Pedro Carranza, CEO of Cementos Portland Valderrivas Group; Macarena Gamir, deputy director general of Inter-institutional Coordination on Gender Violence; and Susana Gálvez and Adriana Acevedo, general coordinator and head of the 016 Service, respectively.

FCC celebrates International Women's Day 2023, which is held on 8 March every year and has become a truly global event and a space to reflect upon areas where improvements are still needed and upon the progress made by and for women.

A roundtable event has been held today at FCC's corporate headquarters in Las Tablas, in Madrid, under the strapline "Talking to Women in STEM", with an opening speech by its chairwoman Esther Alcocer Koplowitz. This event set out to raise the profile of women in science, technology, engineering and maths. During her speech, the chairwoman thanked all of her colleagues who work to foster and guarantee equal opportunities for both men and women in the FCC Group for their work and for their efforts.  She emphasised that "now, more than ever, research, technology and innovation play an especially important role in ensuring that FCC's business divisions lead the way in sustainable business practices and, for this purpose, we're so lucky to have you here today on board". 

Participants at the roundtable event, which was moderated by the journalist Helena Resano, including leading female scientists and STEM professionals from the FCC Group, who shared their experiences in this area, in order to emphasise the importance of having women in the world of science and research, and convey this to the rest of the company.

The following scientists took part: Ángela Nieto, a scientist who holds a doctorate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, is currently a professor at the Alicante Institute of Neurosciences and is recognised for her research on the embryonic processes involved in the development of a number of diseases, including cancer; Cristina Romera, a chemist who holds a PhD in Marine Sciences and is also researching dissolved organic matter in oceans and its interactions with microorganisms, as well as the quantification of organic matter released by plastics and its effects on marine microbes; and María Retuerto, a chemist, scientist and researcher, who has received awards for her work on advanced systems for optimising water electrolysis, as well as the best technology for producing renewable green hydrogen. All of them have won a number of international prizes. 

A number of female STEM staff members from various FCC Group business divisions also took part in the event. FCC Ámbito was represented by María Jesús Kaifer, who holds an undergraduate degree in Chemistry; Aqualia's representative was Marta Casao, who holds an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering; Natalia Abánades, technical agricultural engineer, attended on behalf of FCC Construcción; and Nieves María Lacera, a mining engineer, attended on behalf of the Cementos Portland Valderrivas Group.

The event ended with a video paying tribute to all of the female STEM professionals in the FCC Group, who harness their knowledge to benefit the company, serving as a model and inspiration for everyone within it. 

Running alongside this event, there is also a photography exhibition in the company's main headquarters, which aims to recognise the FCC Group's female STEM professionals and raise their profile even further. This exhibition will also be taken to other work centres during 2023.

Commitment to equality

FCC has implemented an equal opportunities and diversity policy, which reaffirms its commitment to the fundamental principles of equality, non-discrimination at the workplace, helping improve diversity in companies and the respect for heterogeneity. The company has been working in this area for years and is already reaping the rewards and results of these initiatives, thanks to which it is consolidating a fair, professional and very diverse work environment. 

However, it should be noticed that FCC has continued to discuss its Equality Plans over this year. Thanks to all of these years of work, the company now has twelve Equality Plan across its different business divisions, which have emerged from constant social dialogue and a shared desire among all parties to achieve, strengthen and guarantee equal treatment and opportunities for men and women within the company.

Watch video

Group photo from the event held at the FCC Group's corporate headquarters to mark International Women's Day.

The exhibition marking the 125th anniversary of the FCC Group has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ninth edition of the 2026 Dircom Ramón del Corral Awards, in the internal event category.

Launched to mark the FCC Group’s 125th anniversary, this initiative was conceived as an immersive journey through the company’s history and its impact on society. Through a route organised into five themed rooms, the exhibition offered a chronological and experiential journey through the company’s key milestones, enabling today’s generation of professionals to connect with a legacy of constant evolution. From its origins, linked to the creation of more liveable cities through waste management and urban sanitation, to the development of major transport infrastructure, international expansion and a strategic commitment to water management and sustainability, the exhibition highlights the Group’s capacity for adaptation and foresight throughout its 125-year history.

The exhibition combined historical documents, previously unseen photographs, iconic artefacts and original materials to offer an experience that went beyond a chronological display. It was presented as a tool for internal alignment, reflecting the FCC Group’s ability to adapt to change, expand internationally and establish itself as a leader in environmental services, integrated water cycle management, infrastructure construction and the development of concession projects.

Family and friends had the opportunity to visit the exhibition commemorating the FCC Group’s 125th anniversary, an initiative that fostered a deep sense of belonging among those present, allowing them to connect with the history and values that have accompanied the Group throughout its journey.

This project has established itself as the key internal communication initiative for the anniversary, highlighting the fact that FCC’s history is, above all, the story of the people who have contributed to its development. A living legacy that continues to inspire new generations as they shape the company’s future.

Dircom Ramón del Corral Awards

Through these awards, Dircom aims to recognise excellence and best practice across all areas of communication. The winning projects will be announced at the Dircom Ramón del Corral Awards ceremony, to be held on 16 June in Madrid.

Esther Alcocer Koplowitz, chairwoman of the FCC Group, has received the National Construction Confederation’s (CNC) Special Award for Professional Achievement. This is the highest honour awarded by the construction industry’s trade association, recognising a business career characterised by hard work, dedication and international influence.

The chairwoman received the award from Pedro Fernández Alén, president of the CNC, and, visibly moved, remarked that “it is an honour and a privilege to receive recognition from this business organisation, the home of those who, through their daily work, are building the future of our country, and whose aim is to give a voice to the construction sector as a whole and highlight the contribution made by its companies”.

She also wished to express her personal gratitude for the support of her family, with a special mention for her mother, Esther Koplowitz, whom she described as a key figure in her life and professional career. She also highlighted the constant support of Carlos Slim, the Group’s major shareholder, for his closeness and commitment. And she expressly wished to share this recognition with all the employees of the FCC Group, whose effort, dedication and professionalism have been key to consolidating its position as an international leader.

This award, presented outside the eleven official categories of the gala, is granted directly by the Jury as a tribute to individuals, companies or organisations that have demonstrated an outstanding career and made a decisive contribution to the sector.

The CNC Special Award for Professional Achievement adds to an extensive and solid track record backed by numerous accolades, and also represents something particularly significant: the recognition by an entire sector of a woman who chairs a group with over a century of history and which has established itself as an international benchmark in environmental services, integrated water cycle management, infrastructure construction and the development of concession projects.

Esther Alcocer Koplowitz, chairwoman of the FCC Group, received the award from Pedro Fernández Alén, chairman of the CNC.

Esther Alcocer Koplowitz, Chair of the FCC Group, has been awarded the Special Recognition Award for Professional Achievement, the highest honour bestowed by the construction industry association, during the 2nd CNC Night Awards, an event held at CaixaForum Madrid that brought together business leaders, institutional representatives and social partners to highlight the strategic role of the construction sector in Spain’s economic and social transformation.

The gala, which was brought to a close by Minister Elma Saiz, highlighted some of the major challenges currently facing the construction sector, ranging from access to housing and infrastructure to sustainability, digitalisation and job creation.

In addition to the president of the CNC, Pedro Fernández Alén, the event was also attended by business representatives such as Miguel Garrido, first vice-president of the CEOE and president of the CEIM, as well as executives and professionals linked to a sector considered essential for the country’s economic future.

A life dedicated to shaping the future of the sector

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when Esther Alcocer Koplowitz was presented with the Special Award for Professional Achievement. This is an extraordinary honour awarded directly by the jury outside the ten official award categories and reserved for figures whose contribution has had a decisive impact on the sector.

For decades, Esther Alcocer Koplowitz’s career has been closely linked to the development and consolidation of a business venture that has successfully adapted to the needs of each era, contributing to the growth of cities and the provision of essential services.

A law graduate with a qualification in Senior Business Management from IESE Madrid, she has chaired the FCC Group since January 2013 and sits on the Board of Directors, as well as actively participating in various executive and appointments committees. Her experience also extends to other national and international boards of directors and to numerous cultural, social and economic organisations.

Awards also for talent, innovation and corporate commitment

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to the sector’s best business and professional initiatives across a further eleven categories. Among the winners were Madrid World Capital (MWCC), recognised for the best public administration initiative, and Ferrovial Construction, which received an award for its digital transformation initiative aimed at business development.

TORRESCAMARA was also recognised for its technological initiative promoting environmental benefits, Alfredo Boto Hervás for his work in communications to raise the profile and recognition of the sector, and CITANIAS for its commitment to job creation.

The jury also recognised COMSA Corporación for its management of generational succession and as a family business, LANTANIA for its international activity, and Abaigar Promoción y Construcción for its work in promoting women’s access to the sector.

The awards also recognised OHLA Group for its projects to restore and conserve historical and artistic heritage, COTS I CLARET for its initiatives to attract young talent, and TECOZAM for its innovation in products, machinery and auxiliary equipment.

With this second edition, La Noche CNC consolidates its position as one of the sector’s major annual events and as a platform for recognising the talent, innovation and commitment of the companies and professionals driving the Spanish construction industry.