On the occasion of Women’s Day, the Office of the Prime Minister awarded 15 success stories from Maltese women who have excelled in their sectors and served as an inspiration for other generations of girls and young women.
Among the award winners was Dr Danika Marmara, Researcher and Director of Cancer Care Pathways at the Sir Anthony Mamo Centre who won the People’s Choice Award by public vote.
Richmond Foundation CEO Daniela Calleja Bitar was awarded The Remarkable Woman Award and Sr Maria Adele Baldacchino, who has been doing the most good among prisoners for 70 years, won The Lifetime Achievement Award. Both awards were given directly at the discretion of the wife of the Prime Minister, Dr Lydia Abela.
The other honours were based on nominations received from the public, social partners and non-governmental organisations, and whose winners were selected by the MARA 2026 board composed of Reno Bugeja, Josette Ciappara, Prof Stephanie Fabri, Prof Anton Grech and Sarah-Lee Zammit.
In her speech on the occasion, the Prime Minister’s wife Dr Lydia Abela said that this recognition of women’s talent sends a signal that Malta will continue to strengthen its position as the land of equality.
“Extraordinary talent exists in this country. Girls and women who rise to the occasion, often far from the public eye, do their work, practice their passion, and excel in their fields,” stressed Dr Abela.
Lydia Abela said that when she looks at her 14-year-old daughter, she sees courage, determination and dreams that have no limits. She recounted how Giorgia reminds her that each generation of girls can go further than the previous one and that when a woman believes in herself, there is nothing that can stop her.
The Prime Minister’s wife claimed that Malta has made great strides forward – from a time when women did not even have the right to vote, to a time when women’s participation in public life and in leadership positions has greatly increased.
Challenges for women remain. In Malta, in Europe and throughout the world. But as a country we are made to, instead of complaining, take action.
Dr Abela mentioned how, just a few days ago, a national reform was initiated to strengthen work-life balance. This work will lead to changes that ensure more quality time for families, and deal with the extension of maternity and paternity leave, and the strengthening of parental leave and remote working.
The Prime Minister’s wife said that Malta is the smallest country in the European Union, but it manages to provide free education and health, offer a social network for those who can afford it the least, attract investment and create careers. A country that gives peace of mind and serenity to those who live in it. This beauty of Malta and Gozo is due to all the people – women and men.
“Let us continue to be the voice of equality. Let us continue to do justice to this society that values everyone. The next chapter in the history of Malta and Gozo will be the most beautiful one for the participation of women, as much as men”, concluded Dr Abela.
Meanwhile, all the winners of the MARA 2026 evening were these:
Valerie Brincat – Social Impact Award
Marica Gatt – Excellence in Education & Mentorship Award
Arielle Bonnici – Champion in Sports Award
Natasha Azzopardi Muscat – Resilience in Healthcare & Wellness Award
Daniela Calleja Bitar – Remarkable Woman Award
Maria Bugeja – Leader in Business Award
Mary Gaerty – Entrepreneurial Vision Award
Simone Borg – Environmental Activism Award
Lynn Claire Galea – Compassion for Animals Award
Danika Marmara – People’s Choice Award
Francesca Camilleri Vettiger – Dedication in Public Service Award
Clare Azzopardi – Empowerment through Arts and Culture Award
Maria Azzopardi – Innovation in Science and Technology Award
Yasmine Shawish – Shape the Future Award
Sr. Adele Baldacchino – Lifetime Achievement Award
Photos (OPM/DOI)
