On Friday 22 November, the National Council of Women held a special event at the AX Palazzo Capua in Sliema, where it welcomed dignitaries and guests in celebration of the NGO's 60th anniversary.

In her address, NCW Malta's President Dr Rebecca Berry Wellman listed some of the Council's key achievements, "eliminating discrimination, improving pensions for widows and orphans, increasing women's representation on government boards, advocating for equal pay, securing citizenship rights for married women, and supporting the employment of married women, all driving significant progress in gender equality."

At this special event, NCW Malta celebrated its history with a speech by Ann Gingell Littlejohn who spoke about her mother Josephine Amato-Gauci, NCW Malta's founder president, and about her time on the executive council.

NCW Malta is again at the forefront with its plans to showcase its exciting commitment to remain proactive digitally. "These tools are not merely symbolic; they are instruments for amplifying our advocacy, outreach and networking," said Dr Berry Wellman.

An overview of the newly launched website was given by Ilona Baldacchino NCW Hon Treasurer, who headed the project. NCW Malta hopes to increase its online presence with the launch of a new logo, social media platforms, and website, refreshed to fit the scope of contemporary needs and to leave an impact in their digital journey. They intend to use it as a platform to connect with their international and national stakeholders, as well as to inspire young people to embrace the importance of gender equality. Ms Baldacchino urged users to visit the new website: https://ncwmalta.com

With this step, NCW Malta signals its readiness to navigate contemporary challenges and the changing Maltese landscape, while staying grounded in our values of reflection, renewal, resilience and advocacy.

This well attended event included visits from Dr Lydia Abela, Anne Marie Grech, Dr Helena Dalli, female members of parliament, ambassadors and distinguished guests, as well as colleagues from affiliated organisations.  

Mauro Pace Parascandolo CEO Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector addressed the event and explained the importance of funding schemes for NGOs. The revamp of the logo and website has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inklużjoni and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).

Finally, NCW Malta thanked sponsors who helped with this event which included AX Hotels Sliema, Confetti Crew, Sherries Estate, and Rita Schembri Florist and décor.

About NCW Malta

The National Council of Women (Malta) is a non - governmental organisation, founded in 1964: On 3 February 1964 when six women leaders met Ms Nora Dean, then President of NCW Great Britain, who was in Malta to talk about the International Council of Women. They sat enthralled hearing Ms Dean telling them about the good work women of sixty other countries all over the world were doing and they decided to form a steering committee, make a public invitation to all interested women to go to a preliminary meeting to see if they could start such an organisation. About eighty women from all walks of life answered this call which took place on the 13 February 1964 at the dining room of the Palace Valletta. Lady Dorman wife of the Governor General presided over this meeting and the birth of the National Council of Women Malta took place with great interest and enthusiasm.

The founder members were Josephine Amato Gauci (NCW's First President), M. Jane Spiteri, Adelina Davison, Maria Testaferrata Bonici, Mary B. Griffin OBE, Bice Testaferrata Moroni Viani.

NCW Malta (National Council of Women) is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to promoting gender equality, women's rights, and social justice in Malta.

It works to empower women through education, policy influence, and community initiatives, addressing issues such as gender-based violence, workplace equality, and access to healthcare.

NCW advocates for a fairer, more inclusive society.