Stories of ordinary women who lived extraordinary lives

Imagine having to make a coat out of discarded air force personnel jackets; going to school barefooted or, worse still, not being allowed to go at all, being unable to ride a bicycle after 14 and marry out of choice.

These are some of the first-hand anecdotes of 100 women who are residing in homes for the elderly. Their stories have been gathered in a book that not only chronicles their personal lives but also offers a snapshot of Malta’s history and their own resilience through the ages.

Despite the poverty many of these women have witnessed, most feel it helped them form their characters and stamina and their stories are characterised by a positive attitude.

They still look back and think childhood was a “wonderful experience”, it emerges from 100 Women, 100 Stories – A Journey Through Words.

The stories of “ordinary women who lived extraordinary lives” – many already in their 90s and, therefore, having experienced the war – are inspiring to Natalie Briffa Farrugia, CEO of Care Malta Group, which operates seven homes for the elderly and took the initiative to publish the book, based on the lives of its residents.

“It shows their willpower and strength and makes us realise we are not alone,” she said.

“It shows women were as strong yesterday as they are today and probably even stronger because they faced harder circumstances.”

From the 100 stories, it also transpires that women who contributed financially, or to decisions regarding money, better survived the tragedies life threw at them, she concluded, adding that “it is always good to share the burden”.

Ms Briffa Farrugia was speaking at the launch of the book in the presence of Kate Gonzi, the Prime Minister’s wife, at the annual lunch, hosted by Care Malta Group chairman Żaren Vassallo, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, yesterday.

Being the centenary of the event, 100 women, including shareholders, consultants, directors, or their wives, were invited to The George Urban Boutique Hotel.

Care Malta employs 560 women, who represent 81 per cent of its workforce and take care of almost 700 female elderly.

Ms Gonzi, who wrote the foreword to the book, described it as an “intrinsic testimony to our social heritage, concealed and treasured in the memories of the elderly”.

She encouraged its exploration by spending time with the elderly and drawing on their life experiences, saying they served as a lesson.

The book offers a “strong message in a simple way”, recounting the past century through the eyes of elderly women. It also shows they have always formed the foundations of the nation, Ms Gonzi said, highlighting the common factors between women then and now, their values of perseverance, dignity and sense of sacrifice.

The book, the fruit of a challenge launched by Ms Briffa Farrugia at last year’s event, was written by the facility manager of the Cospicua home, Janet Silvio. Published by Midsea Books, it is on sale from leading bookshops and any proceeds are being directed towards The Arkati Foundation and Dar Merħba Bik.