Vassallo Group has kept marking International Women’s Day with a luxurious lunch tradition. The event, to which over 100 women – directors, managers and employees from across the group are invited, was held at the Chamber of Commerce, Valletta.

Helena Dalli, Minister of Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, and Renee Laiviera, Commissioner of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality, were invited as special guests.

CareMalta’s CEO Natalie Briffa Farrugia delivered a strong message about women’s rights and equality, which have come a long way in only a few decades. She shared her journey through the tough challenge she undertook to complete the Malta Marathon to support people with disability, while also practising HILA’s ‘Believe Achieve’ motto. She also launched a CareMalta campaign to enrol 25 individuals ready to run the half-marathon next year to commemorate CareMalta’s 25th anniversary.

Nazzareno Vassallo said 60 per cent of the workforce were women, with 33 per cent of the group’s directors being women too. He said women are now involved in all levels within the group management structures, including shareholders and directors, managers, assistant managers and supervisors. A short video clip showing the different work performed by women working with companies within the group was shown to the guests.

Ms Dalli congratulated Ms Briffa Farrugia on her courage and determination in completing such a tough challenge, saying she was a great inspiration to all, including herself. She also spoke about the group’s promotion of women’s rights, praising it for its understanding and support of a greater balance of work and family life for employees and for achieving the Equality Mark last year.

Women were then presented with a token of appreciation. The luncheon was prepared by CaterEssence, which forms part of the group.