About the awards
Malta has made significant steps forward in terms of breaking the glass ceiling and empowering women to reach their full potential. Notwithstanding, there are still a number of initiatives that need to be taken in order to increase gender equality and diversity in all spheres of life, especially in the world of business. Despite signs of improvement in the EU’s gender equality index, Maltese women are still in a very small minority on the boards of directors of both public and private entities. According to statistics, only 8.5% of directors of companies listed on the MSE are female.
The “Malta Businesswoman of the Year Awards” are designed to help promote and recognise women who have achieved significant success in business, and serve as an inspiration and encouragement for other women. The Awards also aim to accelerate the journey towards gender equality within the private sector.
Categories
1. Businesswoman of the year
This award will be presented to a female business owner/entrepreneur, director, executive/manager or professional who has achieved outstanding success. This will be measured in all aspects of the business – from profitability to customer relations and from strong and consistent growth to innovation and implementation. The winner is expected to demonstarte the outstanding contribution she has made to her sector and the impact she makes in her field. She should be able to demonstrate how her business provides support and input that makes a clear and beneficial difference to the people it works with, and how she delivers consistently outstanding levels of customer or client service. The winner in this category will be able to prove an appreciation of and an ability to deliver genuine added value whichever field of business she operates in.
The winner will serve as an inspiration to other female entrepreneurs and executives – through her story she will inspire and encourage others who may be following in her footsteps. She will be expected to demonstrate how she overcame obstacles on her journey to success, demonstrating determination and commitment.
2. Young businesswoman of the year
The winner will be a young female business owner/entrepreneur, director, executive/manager or professional who is a true trail blazer, leading the way as an example for her own generation. Nominees must be under 35 years of age to enter this category. The winner is expected to have a clear business vision, have achieved goals in line with her business plans and have already seen a measure of success.
This award will be presented to a truly inspirational young businesswoman who will encourage other young women to launch their own business or to seek senior positions within their organisation.
3. Company award for excellence in the promotion of women in business
Two awards will, in fact, be presented in this category; one to a company with up to 50 full time employees and the other to a larger organisation with more than 50 full time employees. The winners will be companies which can demonstrate tangible support and commitment in the promotion of women in business. The winning companies will be expected to have implemented measures to promote women, giving them equal opportunities and providing the right environment for them to flourish and achieve their full potential. The winning companies will be expected to demonstrate progress towards achieving gender balance in their senior management and decision making functions.
The winners of this category will serve as an inspiration to other companies that are serious in providing women with career and growth opportunities.