The third edition of the Malta Businesswoman of the Year Awards (MBWYA), organised by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., has been launched. The awards, which recognise successful female business leaders and entrepreneurs are also supported by Farsons Group and Nestlé Malta. As in previous years, the Malta Businesswoman of the Year Awards are taking place under the patronage of His Excellency George Vella, President of Malta.
This year, four awards will be given. These are: Businesswoman of the Year Award, Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Sustainability Role Model Award, and Company Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Women in Business. Nominations are being accepted online at www.mbwya.com.mt and will remain open until Wednesday, 27 October 2021.
Simon Vaughan Johnson, HSBC Malta’s CEO, said, “Whilst the importance of diversity in the workplace is widely recognised, the truth is that women are still significantly under represented in leadership positions. As an example, only 11 per cent of all Board positions in Malta Stock Exchange-listed companies are held by women; one of the lowest figures in the European Union. HSBC created the MBWYA which highlight the achievements of successful women in business to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and to reinforce the message to all businesses that diversity at all levels is key to success.”
Giuliana Isolani, Nestlé Malta Ltd Managing Director, commented “We are very pleased to be supporting the MBWYA for a consecutive year. In current times, the impacts and benefits brought by a gender balanced organisation are well documented through countless business cases. Therefore, it’s imperative that gender equality continues to be prioritised at all levels. I personally believe on the importance of role models, and I am convinced that positive examples are often stronger than many words.”
Norman Aquilina, Group Chief Executive at Farsons Group, said, “At a time when it is even more essential to optimize the contribution of all one’s employees at every level, the Farsons Group remains committed to the empowerment of all our people. We are proud of the level of gender balance at Board and senior management as well as across our corporate offices which we believe enriches the quality of our discussion, decision making as well as our performance. Our commitment to enhance the involvement of women in science, technology and engineering roles from an early age is critical for the continued growth of our Group and also, for the further development of the country’s economy. Farsons’ support of MBWYA is embedded in the belief that this is an excellent platform to showcase individuals and organisations, that, through their commitment to enhanced diversity and equality, have achieved truly impressive performance.”
The winners of the main award in the previous two editions were Deborah Schembri who was recognised for her role in growing STM Malta Pension Services Limited into a major global pension provider and Natalie Briffa Farrugia, who was recognised for her work as Chief Executive Officer at CareMalta Group Limited.
Nominations can be submitted from all industries in the private sector by colleagues, clients, family and friends. Candidates are also able to nominate themselves. Further information is available at www.mbwya.com.mt