International Women’s Day, held annually on 8th March, is a day dedicated to celebrating women’s rights and equality around the world.
While women should be celebrated every day, this still serves as a day for people to honour their social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.
The idea had first come up during the early 20th century, motivated by the universal female suffrage movement, and it has been a monumental day in calendars since.
This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is “Inspire Inclusion,” and is hence all about celebrating diversity and empowerment.
Locally, social media has been filled with companies and business leaders expressing gratitude to the women close to them, as well as their employees and colleagues.
From sweet treats to insightful talks, here are how some of Malta’s businesses have celebrated International Women’s Day.
Gifts for female employees
On this day, a host of companies chose to celebrate the occasions by giving some small gifts to their female employees, as a thank you for their hard work and commitment.
Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates' female employees receiving their gifts / LinkedIn
Everyone loves receiving some form of acknowledgement for their work, and when one is appreciated at the workplace, it is bound to lead to increased productivity and a healthier working environment.
Among the local companies to provide gifts to their employees are hospitality company db Group (pictured above) and law firm Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates, both aiming to show recognition to their female workforce.
Eden Leisure Group also did so, giving female employees little gifts which are locally handmade by women survivors who form part of the St Jeanne Antide Foundation.
Donations to charity
Other companies opt to mark the occasion by finding ways of giving back to the community and to make an impact, fundraising for female-focused charities.
BOV Asset Management’s staff donated a number of new or used handbags filled with essential items in aid of different women’s shelters across Malta.
Halmann Vella Group CCO Owen Farrugia (right) presenting the donation / LinkedIn
Similarly, Halmann Vella Group presented a pampering scented candle to residents of the Dar Merħba Bik Foundation, which oversees two homes, Dar Merħba Bik and Dar Santa Bakhita, hosting a total of 17 women and their families affected by domestic violence.
HSBC Malta Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, hosted its annual donation drive. The bank, in collaboration with 12 local schools and two suppliers, gathered a significant collection of essential items that will be going towards 20 local NGOs.
HSBC Malta Foundation's presentation of its annual donation drive at HSBC Malta's head office in Valletta
All-female crews
Female participation at the workplace has increased substantially over the years, as the number of working women continues to rise in Malta. Statistics from the National Statistics Office (NSO) have indicated that out of people aged 15 to 64, 71.9 per cent of women in 2022 were employed, up from 2018’s 63 per cent.
In order to champion inclusivity, national airline Air Malta had an all-female crew for its KM612/613 flight between Malta and Rome today.
The cabin crew for today's KM/612/613 flight / LinkedIn
“On this special day, let’s acknowledge the invaluable contributions of women in driving progress and fostering positive change in organisations and society as a whole, Together, let’s continue to inspire inclusion for women and girls everywhere, breaking barriers and empowering future generations to soar to new heights,” the airline said, highlighting this year’s International Women’s Day theme.
Inspirational talks
Additionally, this special day can also serve as an occasion for businesses to surprise their teams with a healthy dose of inspiration, motivation, and knowledge by hiring a speaker to deliver an insightful talk or activity.
Earlier this week, Mazars in Malta hosted Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Malta Chairperson Lara Tonna Grima, who delivered a session on workplace inclusion.
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Malta Chairperson Lara Tonna Grima during her session / LinkedIn
“In today’s world, it is important to collectively work towards a more inclusive world for women by actively promoting their participation and recognising their diverse contributions in all fields of endeavour,” Dr Tonna Grima said during the event.
At The Malta Institute of Accountants, aside from rewarding the team with some homemade desserts, a workshop on mindset in the workplace was organised. The “thought-provoking” session was led by speaker and coach Alex Falzon.
How is your workplace celebrating International Women's Day this year?
