The National Council of Women (NCW) held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 31 January 2026 at The Victoria Hotel, Sliema, bringing together members to review achievements, address emerging challenges and set priorities for the year ahead.

NCW Honorary General Secretary Dr Daniela Cassola presented the 2025 Annual Report, outlining the Council's extensive engagement at national, European and international levels, including participation in United Nations and Commonwealth fora. The report highlighted NCW's active role in national discussions on social issues affecting women, families and community wellbeing, as well as the issuance of public statements on matters such as the National Budget, second-hand smoke, traffic-related impacts and end-of-life policies.

NCW reiterated its strong opposition to the legalisation of euthanasia, calling instead for a national commitment to quality palliative care and careful consideration of the ethical and societal implications of such legislation. The Council also contributed to consultations on Envision 2050 and the proposed introduction of miscarriage leave.

Newly elected President Mary Gaerty encouraged young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, stressing the importance of adapting to rapid global and digital transformation. She emphasised that NCW's 2026 resolutions reflect these realities and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting women, promoting informed decision-making and fostering confident female leadership.

Guest speaker Ms Mary Buttigieg Said from the Malta Midwives Association delivered a presentation on reducing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, highlighting the health risks linked to everyday products and environmental pollutants, and proposing practical measures to limit exposure.

Following a lively debate, members approved a set of resolutions that will guide NCW's work in 2026, including combating all forms of harassment, promoting equitable world peace, empowering women in the age of new technologies, strengthening protections from online harms, reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors, and ensuring ethical media portrayal of victims of sexual harassment and sexual violence.