The first ever Commonwealth Women's Forum 2015, launched this afternoon, will be chaired by lawyer Claire Cassar.

"Women's economic empowerment is a key factor to equality as this can spread economic growth and advance human rights and equality," said Dr Cassar  - who is also the chief executive of a telecommunications company - during the launch at Intercontinental Hotel.

The aim was for this forum "Women Ahead. Be all that you can Be" to become a permanent forum and a focal point for discussion on women's contributions.

This forum would provide a platform to discuss challenges and agree on actions and recommendations to carry on to leaders. The themes explored would include placing women and social and economic issues on the agenda, looking into success stories from around the globe, manners to tackle poverty and inequality and provide a networking platform.

"Women have the potential to change their own economic status and that of the communities they live in, but their economic contribution goes unrecognised," she said

Phyllis Muscat, head of the CHOGM Malta 2015 Taskforce, said the forum would run concurrently with another three fora on people, youth and business that would take place between November 22 and 24 ahead of the CHOGM, being held between November 27 and 29.

Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli said one had to open their eyes to the reality that many Commonwealth countries were still far from achieving gender equality. She spoke about the importance of women taking an active part in decision-making roles.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca welcomed the commitment shown towards the one billion women living within the Commonwealth.

"I would like to encourage all women -  not only as Head of State but also a woman -  to act together to bring about change," she said as she also stressed on the collaboration of country leaders.