Pioneering women of Xàbia inspire young people at IES Antoni Llidó
At the heart of the event was a simple but powerful idea: creating space for young people to hear directly from women who have shaped their community and, in doing so, to begin shaping their own future.
On 27 March, Xàbia marked the close of its International Women’s Day programme with the second edition of Dones que han marcat (“Women who have made their mark”), held at IES Antoni Llidó.
At the heart of the event was a simple but powerful idea: creating space for young people to hear directly from women who have shaped their community and, in doing so, to begin shaping their own future.
Five pioneering women from Xàbia shared their personal and professional journeys with students, offering insight not only into their achievements, but also into the realities behind them:
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Isabel Nadal Torres, the first woman to serve as Judge of the Peace in the municipality
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Lola Ivars Cardona, the town’s first female police officer
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Rosa Cardona Vives, the first woman to hold the office of Mayor
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Catalina Cardona Bas, the first female librarian in Xàbia
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Consuelo Espinós Soliveres, the first female public health inspector
Through an open and thoughtful dialogue, students were invited to ask questions about career paths, challenges, and the role of gender in shaping opportunity. The conversation moved beyond titles and achievements to lived experience, with its moments of difficulty, resilience, and personal growth.
A recurring theme was the challenge of balancing professional life with family responsibilities. The speakers reflected honestly on how this has shaped their journeys, and how it continues to affect many women today.
One particularly vivid example came from Lola Ivars, who described entering a male-dominated police force at a time when expectations were very different. From restrictions on night shifts to being required to wear a skirt and carry her service weapon in a handbag, her experience highlighted both how far things have come and the determination it took to help bring about that change.
The event closed with a shared message to the students, especially the young women in the room: build your independence, trust your own path, and do not allow others to define your limits.
Alongside the roundtable, the school’s wider programme included creative and participatory activities, such as a student-led song marking 8 March, developed with the support of the local Department for Equality.
Advocating for women’s rights and equality in Marina Alta.
Source: https://www.javea.com/mujeres-pioneras-de-xabia-inspiran-a-jovenes-en-el-ies-antoni-llido
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