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 fields and served as an inspiration to other generations of girls and young women.

Lynn Claire Galea from Gozo was awarded the Compassion for Animals Award at the annual Premju MARA ceremony.

Gozo SPCA in a tribute on social media said, ”not only does Lynn work full time at Animal Welfare Gozo, she volunteers at Gozo SPCA, where she is in charge of caring for our animals and visiting schools to help educate the next generation.”

The NGO added that ”when people ask, why do the strays in Gozo get treated better than those in Malta, Lynn is the reason. Her dedication knows no bounds. Congratulations Lynn, and thank you to the organisers for recognising not only her contribution but also the importance of animals in our society, and the role of both Animal Welfare Gozo and Gozo SPCA.”

Among the winners of the honours 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.

The CEO of the Richmond Foundation 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 of these recognitions were given directly at the choice 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 the 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, nothing can stop her.”

The Prime Minister’s wife said 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 increased significantly.

”Challenges for women also remain. In Malta, in Europe and throughout the world. But as a country we are made to, instead of complaining, take action,” she said.

Dr Abela mentioned how, just a few days ago, a national reform was initiated to strengthen the balance between work and personal life. 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 cherishes 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.

The winners of the MARA 2026 evening were:

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: Dr Lydia Abela Facebook and DOI

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