Banking on Women

HSBC Bank Malta has set up a group called "Banking on Women" with the introductory meeting dedicated to highlighting the role of women in debating parliamentary legislation directly affecting women's issues, and stress management at work.

The two issues were respectively tackled by Grace Attard, chairman of the National Council of Women and Louis Lempereur, an airline captain.

Apart from providing a forum for career women within the bank to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest, the group will be encouraging female members of staff to seek appropriate executive and managerial positions within HSBC. Information and guidance to members on self-development and training within the bank will also be offered.

Banking on Women, which is open to female members who occupy managerial positions within HSBC, will be liasing with a number of banking, professional and women's organisations with the intention of furthering the aims of the group. Eventually the group will also include other grades within the bank.

"In 2002, women still find it difficult to balance a career with family commitments," said Lorna Farrugia, chairman of Banking on Women and manager of HSBC's Sta Venera branch.

"HSBC has been very supportive of our idea to establish this group. We aim to enable all women who work at HSBC to realise their full potential."

During the first meeting, Marika Debono from HSBC's Msida branch won a Caribbean Cruise in a lottery organised for those present.