Homeward Bound 8 Expedition: Empowering Women in STEMM for Climate Action

The latest chapter of the Homeward Bound initiative, known as Homeward Bound 8, commenced yesterday as 124 female scientists and technology professionals embarked on a journey to Antarctica. This unique expedition is organized by ACCIONA and serves to highlight the pressing challenges posed by climate change in one of the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

Voyage with a Purpose

Over the span of two weeks, participants will witness firsthand the impacts of climate change in Antarctica. Beyond exploration, the expedition includes workshops and training aimed at fostering collaboration among women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine). The goal is to cultivate synergies that will enhance decision-making processes in tackling global issues through female leadership.

Spanish Female Scientists at the Forefront

This year’s expedition features eight prominent Spanish women:

• Edith Guedella Bustamante: Environmental biologist and head of Sustainability at ACCIONA’s Construction division.
• María González Fajardo: Civil engineer at ACCIONA.
• Marta Crespo: Engineer and head of Photovoltaic Technology at ACCIONA Energía.
• Alba Fernández Sanlés: Molecular biologist.
• Paula Moraga Serrano: Professor of Statistics at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
• Rosa Castizo: Director of the “La Rábida” Observatory for Sustainable Development and Climate Change.
• Anna González Manjón: Molecular biologist.
• Mercedes Martín: Meteorologist focused on global warming awareness.

The Vision Behind Homeward Bound

The Homeward Bound program aims to establish a global network of 10,000 women professionals in STEMM fields who can address critical challenges like the climate crisis. This expedition caps off a year of training focused on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), equipping participants with the knowledge to advocate for the health of our planet.

ACCIONA’s Commitment to Gender Equality

Since partnering with Homeward Bound in 2017, ACCIONA has actively promoted awareness of women’s contributions to science and fostered gender equality in all sectors of its operations. The company is included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and adheres to the Global Compact’s Women’s Empowerment Principles. ACCIONA’s recruitment initiatives are designed to prioritize female talent across its various divisions.

A Call to Action

The Homeward Bound 8 expedition serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in scientific leadership and climate action. By uniting diverse talents and perspectives, the initiative seeks to amplify women’s voices in tackling environmental crises, ultimately shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.