Nine inspirational Orihuela women honoured with Unicas 2026 awards

Nine women whose work has taken them from Orihuela into laboratories, elite sport, social care, music and the wider professional world are being honoured as local role models.

The Unicas 2026 awards will recognise nine women across eight categories at Orihuela’s La Lonja Auditorium on Saturday, September 12, celebrating achievement across very different areas of life.

Agronomist Pilar Legua Murcia recognised after more than 25 years in research

Among this year’s recipients is agronomist Pilar Legua Murcia, whose career has combined university teaching with extensive scientific research.

She has spent more than 25 years teaching and researching at Miguel Hernandez University, establishing a career that has extended well beyond the Vega Baja.

Legua Murcia has authored more than 100 scientific papers and participated in national and international research projects.

Her recognition places scientific and academic achievement among the different fields represented by the 2026 awards, highlighting a career built over more than two decades.

Andrea Roda Martinez took her Orihuela sporting beginnings to Spain’s top handball league

Elite sport is represented by handball player Andrea Roda Martinez, who began her sporting journey in Orihuela before progressing to the highest level of the women’s game in Spain.

Roda Martinez has achieved three promotions to the Liga Guerreras Iberdrola during her career.

She was also the league’s third-highest scorer during the 2020-21 season, underlining the success of a journey that began locally before taking her into elite competition.

Her award recognises not only those achievements, but also provides a sporting example for younger players beginning their own journeys in Orihuela.

Pilar Fabregat Baeza made history with doctoral thesis at University of Orihuela

Pianist, researcher and choir director Pilar Fabregat Baeza is being recognised following a career combining music and academic research.

In 2014, she made history when she became the first woman to defend a doctoral thesis at the historic University of Orihuela since its academic activity ended in 1808.

Her work adds another dimension to the Unicas awards, bringing together culture, research and a significant moment in the academic history of the city.

Social worker Pilar Ibanez Aniorte honoured for decades supporting vulnerable people

Social worker Pilar Ibanez Aniorte has meanwhile spent more than two decades working with vulnerable people.

She began with Vega Baja Acoge before joining the Red Cross in Orihuela, where she has been technical director since 2006.

Her career represents the social and community work recognised by the awards, reflecting years spent supporting people who need assistance.

The four women are among nine recipients who will be recognised across eight categories at La Lonja Auditorium on September 12.