Abertis Foundation and UNICEF Strengthen STEM Education for Girls in Mexico to Bridge Gender Gaps in Science and Technology

Abertis Foundation and UNICEF Strengthen STEM Education for Girls in Mexico to Bridge Gender Gaps in Science and Technology

(IN BRIEF) The Abertis Foundation, in partnership with UNICEF, is driving a nationwide effort in Mexico to close the gender gap in STEM education. Over 6,000 children and adolescents in more than 300 schools have benefited from the programme, which also trained 440 teachers to promote STEM learning. The initiative, supported by Abertis’ local subsidiary RCO, has reached over 70,000 people through its extended ecosystem. At a high-level forum in Mexico City, Abertis Foundation President Elena Salgado highlighted the need to invest in female talent as a driver of innovation and fairness, while UNICEF’s Marta López Fesser emphasized the partnership’s role in fostering equality and sustainable social development.

(PRESS RELEASE) MEXICO CITY / MADRID, 14-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Abertis Foundation, in partnership with UNICEF, is advancing its mission to reduce gender inequality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through an ambitious education programme in Mexico. During a recent visit to Mexico City, Abertis Foundation representatives witnessed the project’s tangible impact, hearing first-hand stories from girls whose confidence and aspirations in STEM have been strengthened through the initiative. The Foundation also took part in a high-level forum alongside government officials, education leaders, and industry representatives to discuss ways of expanding female participation in STEM disciplines.

In its first year, the joint Abertis–UNICEF programme has reached over 6,000 children and adolescents in 347 schools across Mexico City, Jalisco, and Nuevo León. By training more than 440 teachers, the initiative has created a ripple effect that has already benefited over 70,000 people through its local STEM ecosystem projects. The programme aims to equip girls with the skills, self-belief, and encouragement needed to pursue careers in science and technology, while strengthening collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors.

At the forum, Elena Salgado, President of the Abertis Foundation, underscored the transformative potential of gender equality in STEM. “Promoting STEM vocations among girls is not only a matter of equality, but an investment in talent that will transform the future,” Salgado said. “Opening the doors of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to girls means building a more inclusive and innovative society prepared for global challenges.” She also stressed the importance of ensuring gender balance in the development of artificial intelligence systems, noting that equitable participation in STEM is vital to achieving unbiased AI.

Marta López Fesser, Head of Corporate Alliances at UNICEF Spain, added: “The Abertis Foundation’s commitment to supporting STEM education for girls and boys in Mexico demonstrates how partnerships like ours can not only foster new vocations but also drive deeper conversations about equality and social progress.”

The initiative is also closely aligned with Abertis’ subsidiary in Mexico, Red de Carreteras de Occidente (RCO). RCO’s CEO, Alcalde, emphasized that “responsible leadership means going beyond compliance. At RCO, we combine infrastructure, education, and sustainability to show that business growth and social well-being can advance hand in hand.”

With women currently representing only around one-third of global STEM students, according to the OECD, the Abertis Foundation’s alliance with UNICEF stands as a leading example of how the private sector can support education and gender equality. The Foundation continues to champion initiatives that empower the next generation of women scientists, engineers, and innovators in Mexico and beyond.

Commitment to more inclusive education
The Abertis Foundation supports STEM education in Mexico through its strategic alliance with UNICEF. This alliance was renewed in 2022 with two fundamental objectives: improving road safety, particularly for children and young people, and promoting educational development in vulnerable communities.
The Abertis Foundation combines initiatives in education, road safety and social action to create safer and more equitable environments, especially for girls and young people in vulnerable situations. Its comprehensive approach, aligned with the Abertis Group’s ESG Plan, seeks not only to save lives, but also to pave the way for a future with more opportunities.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children and adolescents. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for all.
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Media contact:

Abertis Foundation Communication
Isabel Prieto | isabel.prieto@abertis.com | Tel. (+34) 91 595 1073
Estefania Pino | e.pino@romanrm.com | Tel. 602 255 427
Anna Vidal | a.vidal@romanrm.com | Tel. 626 068 201
UNICEF Spain Communication
Víctor Ruiz | 689 94 81 73 / comunicacion@unicef.es

SOURCE: Abertis