Vassallo Group has kept a long-standing tradition of celebrating International Women’s Day. Around 150 women, including directors, managers and employees from across the group, as well as external stakeholders, were invited to a reception. The event, hosted by Vassallo Group CEO Pio Vassallo, was held at the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, Valletta, on March 8.

Mr Vassallo shared an interesting message, with stories from his childhood and upbringing where his sisters were always just as assertive and successful as the brothers, if not more dominant.

He congratulated his sister, Natalie Briffa Farrugia, CareMalta CEO, for her great achievement as Businesswoman of the Year, as well as his younger sister, Charlene Vella Vassallo for achieving her Master’s in Human Rights while also raising three young children.

His gratitude and respect towards his mother was very evident as he spoke highly of her as the backbone of the family, who was and is always there to give her love and support. Mrs Briffa Farrugia also said a few words following her brother’s message.

An interesting video was played in which women from different companies within the group spoke about their views on finding balance between work and personal life in light of this year’s theme #BalanceForBetter.

Human rights lawyer Roberta Lepre was invited as special guest.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who was guest of honour, spoke about challenges women faced, such as the gender pay gap, and said the women of the group should be thankful for working with a gender equality employer.

Andriana Debattista and her band entertained the guests and all women were presented with a gift in line with the group’s effort to introduce various green initiatives. Food for the reception was prepared by CaterEssence, Vassallo Group’s catering arm.