Diversity team coordinator Maria Mercieca, and member Marie Micallef, participated in the Overture Diversity Network meeting organised by the European regions of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). The meeting was held last June in Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland and hosted by The Scout Association, Scouting Ireland, Catholic Guides of Ireland and Girlguiding UK.

The terms diversity and inclusion are often heard, but their significance cannot be overstated. They are essential for making members of the Malta Girl Guides (MGG) feel truly at home within the association. The MGG's Diversity Team ensures that the right training and support are given to prospective and current adult volunteers, while also creating ongoing, relevant projects that aim to raise awareness on various topics related to diversity.

Girl Guide and Scout leaders from all over Europe came together to reflect and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in their associations. The objective of the meeting was to enhance the understanding of diversity and inclusion while focusing on essential themes that support educational programmes for all participants to learn and enjoy. This was accomplished through a variety of workshops, knowledge-sharing, plenary sessions and informative talks, all addressing key diversity and inclusion principles across different topics, namely race, equity, neurodivergence, mental health and well-being, culture, peace education, LGBTQIA+, the Period Education Poverty programme and socioeconomic inclusion.

Throughout the weekend seminar fruitful discussions and opportunities that align with the practices of the MGG were held. The two volunteers returned home with numerous thoughts for initiatives and ideas on how to make MGG more inclusive and open to members, regardless of their socio-economic background, beliefs, citizenship status, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, language, nationality, race or age.

We are looking forward to what lies ahead.

Keep an eye on this space for updates on MGG's latest projects and adventures, as we continue our commitment to creating safe spaces for all members.