Metsola commemorates 20 years from Malta’s EU referendum

Mar 8 2023

Roberta Metsola took to social media to commemorate 20 years since Malta and Gozo applied to join the European Union, with the referendum on EU membership having been held on March 8th 2003.

Metsola, the first Maltese woman to ever hold the position of European Parliament President and, by extension, the highest political position a Maltese has ever held, commemorated the decision and how it changed the island’s future.

‘EU membership meant hope, enthusiasm, ambition, a united future. It meant opportunities, where the size of ideas, the strength of character and the depth of integrity overcome the limitations of geography’ wrote the EP President.

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This of course the Maltese freedom of movement through member states as well as to reside freely within the bloc.

On 1 May 2004 Malta officially became a Member State of the European Union, along with Cyprus and eight other Central and Eastern European countries. This so-called ‘Big Bang’ enlargement of the Union was a significant milestone in the history of the continent.

Malta joined the EU when Nationalist Party Leader Eddie Fenech Adami was president. Today, Malta of course has its own MEPs participating in a larger world of politics, seeing Malta contribute to bigger projects and aims which impact not just the tiny Mediterranean island, but the entire world.

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Malta-based company amongst the first to introduce menstrual leave for women

Mar 8 2023

WFDM, a group of companies based in Malta, has announced that it will be one of the first companies in Malta to introduce menstrual leave to all of its female employees.

In honour of International Women’s Day, the company went public with its decision, with an aim to support the overall well-being of female employees whilst acknowledging the challenges that come with menstruation.

“The new policy will provide paid leave for up to twelve days per year for female employees who experience painful and difficult periods that significantly impact their ability to perform their job duties. This leave will not count against their sick or vacation time, allowing female employees to take the time they need to manage their menstrual health without compromising their work obligations”, a WFDM statement said.

WFDM CEO Matthew Mantvydas Narusevicius explained how the companies recognises menstruation as a normal and natural part of life, and a challenging and painful experience for some.

Back in February, Spain become the first European country to adopt menstrual leave across the country, making it the first European country to advance in such a legislation, following countries like Indonesia, Japan and South Korea.

That same month, Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar called for national discussion on menstrual leave in Malta, highlighting the global scarcity on such a legislation, leading to many women facing difficulties in the workplace and beyond.

Following WFDM’s decision, the MP took to social media to congratulate the company whilst stating that she will continue striving to put menstrual leave on the national agenda.

Should more workplaces in Malta introduce menstrual leave?

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Here’s where women can find professional support whenever needed!

Mar 8 2023

Singer and songwriter Maxine Pace took to social media to raise some awareness about how and where women can find assistance, self-care and even mental health services.

Celebrating International Women’s Day, the singer pointed out that while its important to celebrate the women we know and love, it is important for women themselves to know how they can access various services which support their mental, physical and emotional health.

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Maxine pointed to the Richmond Foundation’s various services, which include the 1770 helpline as well as the supportive online chat OLLI.Chat.

Professionals tend to these services on a constant basis and any woman who needs support, or anyone else for that matter, can reach out for expert assistance.

Share this to spread more awareness!

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5 things to keep in mind when doing St. Patrick’s Day in Malta

5 tips to keep in mind when doing St. Patrick's Day in Malta

Mar 8 2023

St. Patrick’s Day is almost here and we would be remiss if we didn’t tell you a few important tips to keep in mind before heading into the much-anticipated annual celebrations. Whether you’re in St. Julian’s, Valletta or elsewhere, following these tips and keeping the importance of health & safety in mind are essential to allow yourself (and others) enjoy their day. So go out, enjoy, stay safe and follow these tips.

Wear green

Tip number one: be a sport and put on at least one green item of clothing. You won’t feel like a fish out of water, fit in well and immediately find common ground when heading into the pub or street where you plan on attending the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Fuel up

Whatever you do, don’t go out on an empty stomach on St. Patrick’s Day. Grab yourself a big, wholesome, pre-game meal to line your stomach with all the safety it needs. As an added safety measure, secure a solid, mid-event snack to further ensure that the beers don’t get the best of you.

Drink in moderation

The connotations between St. Patrick’s Day and beer-drinking are not something which can be ignored, but that doesn’t mean you should go hard on the beer. Enjoy your time with friends, get a few drinks in but for God’s sake and your own… DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Charge your phone

On days like St. Patrick’s Day, the last thing you want is to get lost in the crowd with zero percent battery. Whether it’s messaging the squad to see where they’re at, letting family members know that you’re alright or just booking a taxi to get home, make sure you charge your phone beforehand and take a portable charger with you if need be.

Don’t drink and drive

One of the most important things to keep in mind when St. Patrick’s Day activities come around. Whatever you do… DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. It’s important to understand that not only is driving under the influence a crime, but it could endanger you and those around you. You could potentially be saving lives by booking a cab, so go ahead and opt for that this year.

What’s your number one St. Patrick’s tip?

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