Diversity and Inclusion
Promoting gender balance in technical roles
Women’s Voices
Gender balance and inclusion are essential: they are at the heart of our performance and our responsibility. Talent and skills have no gender. Our role is to create the conditions to attract and develop talent, and to allow everyone to reach their full potential. In engineering and expert professions that are still largely male-dominated, this requires a proactive, long-term policy supported at every level of the company. Our ambition is to show that these careers are exciting and accessible to everyone, everywhere in the Group. Diversity is a lever for performance and innovation: it enriches decision-making and improves results. This is how we make our activities both fairer and more effective.
Women in Leadership Positions in Spain
- Eva María, who holds a PhD in analytical chemistry, joined Apave Tarragona in July 2025 as Business Manager. With 25 years’ industrial experience and numerous certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, etc.), she is responsible for the branch’s operational, technical and commercial management.
- Mari Paz, a technical architect, will take over as head of the Apave Barcelona branch in June 2025, following 18 years in management within the construction and risk prevention sectors.
These career paths illustrate Apave’s ability to develop careers beyond stereotypes and to promote women’s access to strategic positions.
Preventing sexism and raising awareness amongst staff
“Together, let’s say NO to sexism”
Launched in France in 2022 and expanded to Spain in 2024, this internal campaign raises awareness among all employees regarding the reality and impact of sexism in the workplace.
In 2025 :
- An educational guide was made available to help identify sexist situations, reiterate reporting procedures, and encourage appropriate behavior;
- Training and awareness sessions supplemented these tools to permanently embed respect and equality into daily professional life.
Supporting every employee with a disability
Apave is strengthening its commitment to disability inclusion by establishing a network of Disability Coordinators to support employees throughout their careers.
A dedicated external point of contact provides confidential advice, support, and follow-up.
Practical tools have been introduced to reinforce this initiative:
- A self-diagnostic tool to help employees navigate the process of obtaining official disability status;
- An educational brochure, “Apave and Disability,” designed to inform and raise awareness across the Group.
Apave continues to champion disability issues through a network of Disability Liaison Officers, with the aim of supporting staff throughout their careers.
Testimonials
To feel legitimate in a suitableand secure work environment
How was your work environment adapted?
I joined Apave four years ago. Because my integration was so positive, I wanted to share my story. I have an invisible disability that requires specific routines to maintain my health and balance. As a result, I benefited from flexible working hours and specialised equipment, including an automatic car and an ergonomic seat.
The benefits of disclosing your status?
While it isn't always easy, being open about your status can start a constructive dialogue. Once an employer is informed, they can better understand your needs and implement the necessary adjustments. Having your disability and requirements officially recognised makes you feel empowered in your requests and fosters a safe, supportive work environment. There is no reason to feel ashamed of a disability.
What has this experience ment to you?
Because I was supported so well when I arrived, I decided to become a local Disability Coordinator at Apave to set an example and help other colleagues facing similar challenges.
I never felt “different” from my colleagues
How was your work environment adapted?
I started this role five years ago, and my schedule is perfectly suited to my disability. Since my work is field-based, I was provided with custom safety shoes essential since I need to replace my insoles every six months. This allows me to move more easily and perform my tasks effectively.
The benefits of disclosing your status?
By being open about my disability from day one, I felt fully integrated into the team and never felt “different” from my colleagues. I am someone who loves being invested in my work and I don’t want to be treated differently. This support allows me to thrive in my role. Recognition ensures your health and safety needs are met, which contributes to overall well-being.
A job adapted to my disability and supportive environment
How was your work environment adapted?
I shared my disability status as soon as I joined Apave 15 years ago, as I already held official Recognised Disabled Worker (Reconnaissance de la Qualité de Travailleur Handicapé) status. Being hard of hearing, this allowed me to upgrade to a more advanced hearing system, which has greatly improved my daily work life. In addition to the technical adjustments, my manager has been incredibly supportive and my colleagues very understanding.
The benefits of disclosing your status?
By disclosing a disability, you can access various forms of assistance and specific workplace adjustments to help you secure or maintain your position. Given the high cost of my new equipment, I received excellent financial support for the microphone system, including the option to trial the equipment beforehand. Applying for official recognition of a hearing impairment can seem like a complex or intimidating process, but it opens the door to significant benefits that make professional life much easier.
I encourage others not to hesitate t is vital for your well-being.