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 11% 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.

Nomination guidelines

1. Nominations can be submitted for female entrepreneurs or members of an organisation’s senior management team from all industries in the private sector.
2. Colleagues, clients, family and friends can send in nominations or candidates can nominate themselves.
3. There is no charge to nominate and you can enter as many categories as you wish.
4. Information provided should be relevant to the candidate’s / company’s activities in 2020.
5. Nominations MUST include details of company revenues where specified.
6. Only nominations from the private sector will be accepted.
7. Winners of previous editions of the awards are eligible to resubmit their nomination after 3 years from winning an award.
8. Businesses must operate in Malta, and subsidiaries of foreign companies based in Malta are eligible to apply.
9. The Judges will be representatives from each of the sponsors and guest judges, who are well respected experts in their field.
10. The judges will decide the winners based on the written confirmations of the submissions, so try to include as much information as possible, providing meaningful figures/statistics to support points.
11. Nominees must be available for consultation with the Judges should the need arise.
12. By entering these awards, entrants agree to our sponsors having access to their contact details.
13. By entering the awards nominees agree to partake in publicity of the awards, including the use of any images taken.
14. Should a category not receive sufficient entries, it will be withdrawn from the Awards Ceremony.
15. Nominations close on Wednesday, 27^th October 2021.
16. The winners will be announced exclusively at the Malta Businesswoman of the Year 2020 Awards ceremony.

Awards

Businesswoman of the Year Award

This award will be presented to a female business 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 demonstrate the outstanding contribution she has made to her sector and the impact she makes in her field. She should be able to demonstrate how the business she leads 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 in whichever field of business she operates in.

The winner will serve as an inspiration to other female business leaders – 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.

Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The winner will be a female business owner/entrepreneur who is a true trail blazer, and has led her business to new heights setting an example for the entire Maltese business community.  The winner is expected to have a clear business vision and a proven track record of success.

This award will be presented to a truly inspirational female entrepreneur who will encourage other women to launch their own business or to seek senior positions within their organisation.

Sustainability Role Model Award

The winner will be a female entrepreneur or business owner who is setting new standards for sustainable business. The winner will be able to demonstrate her ability to lead her business towards net zero carbon emissions and to positively impact the environment within a clear and focused sustainability strategy. The winner will also have a clear vision on how her business will further improve its sustainability going forward.

The winner of the category will set a positive example to the entire business community, highlighting that long terms success and sustainability are inextricably linked.

Company Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Women in Business

The winner will be a company which can demonstrate tangible support and commitment in the promotion of women in business. The winning company 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 company 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.