Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532058
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Breaking barriers: Women for Women's 2025 calendar celebrates women in health WOMEN for Women is cel- ebrating the contributions of women in health with the foun- dation's 2025 calendar. This year, the foundation has cho- sen to showcase the stories of 12 women who have dedicated their lives to advancing health, care, and well-being. This is the fourth consecutive year that the foundation has re- leased this calendar. As a foun- dation, Women for Women is dedicated to uplifting and sup- porting women in need. From humble beginnings to becoming a crucial lifeline for many, Women for Women has grown significantly over the years, thanks to the dedication of its team, and network of women. What started as a simple group of women helping other women grew into a fully-fledged founda- tion. The first case they helped was a family in Sliema, who had their power turned off. "In a matter of days, thanks to the generosity of women in the community, the issue was fixed, bringing relief to the family," Women for Women Founder Francesca Fenech Conti said. "It was a small thing, but it showed me the power of women coming together," she added. Over the years, Women for Women has expanded its reach, helping those in need across various areas – from domes- tic violence victims to women struggling with basic necessities. "The foundation's work has nev- er been easy, and when COV- ID-19 hit, the challenges became even greater. Yet, despite these obstacles, the foundation was able to raise funds, relying en- tirely on self-funding and private donations since it does not re- ceive any government support," Fenech Conti added. Women in health This year's calendar features a diverse list of women working in health, from pro-choice activist and academic Isabel Stabile to Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci. Women for Women's Gener- al Manager, Elaine Compagno, said that the women who were featured are not only exception- al in their fields, but also trail- blazers who challenge the status quo, refine leadership, and break down barriers for those who will follow in their footsteps. "They remind us that women are not just participants in the health sector; they are its architects, its backbone, and its visionaries." "As we continue to fight for equality, representation, and rec- ognition, these women inspire us to demand more—not just for ourselves, but for the women and girls who will inherit this world. They remind us that achieving true health justice means ad- dressing systemic inequalities and truly listening to those who have been silenced or ignored for far too long," Compagno said. Filling the Gaps Compagno said that the foun- dation stands out because of its ability to address issues that many others overlook. "We sup- port women who are vulnerable and those who have plans but lack the resources to execute them. Domestic violence sur- vivors, for instance, often face long-term consequences even after they leave. A simple dental check-up might be out of their reach, and that's where we come in." Compagno highlighted that Women for Women doesn't just provide emotional support. The foundation offers practical assis- tance, from medical care to con- traception. It is one of the few organisations in the region that provides such services to wom- en in need. Through their active Facebook group, they raise funds to ensure women can access vital healthcare, from basic screen- ings to dental and mental health services. Fenech Conti also explained that the foundation provides support for day-to-day needs that many take for granted. From basic groceries to essential household items like washing machines, these seemingly small acts of kindness have a profound impact. "When someone sends us a photo of an empty fridge, it's a wake-up call. We often forget how lucky we are. These wom- en need our help," she said. "It's mostly women who have to take care of children, and we want to be that bridge – so they don't fall through the cracks." A minimum donation of €10 for the 2025 calendar directly supports women in need, with the calendar itself made possible through sponsorships. Women who are featured • Dr Valeska Padovese, Dermatology & Venerology Consultant • Ms Elaine Borg, General & Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon • Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director Country Health Policies & Systems at WHO • Prof. Charmaine Gauci, Superintendent of Public Health • Prof. Jean Calleja Agius, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology • Ms Juanita Parnis, Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon • Ms Julie Galea, Paediatric Surgeon • Daniela Magro, Pharmacist • Carmen Wareing, Midwife • Dr Yvette Zahra, Dental Surgeon • Prof. Isabel Stabile, Gynaecologist • Dr Natalie Pasila Stabile, Family Medicine practitioner • Dr Melaine Zammit Burg, Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist • Dr Lara Sammut, Consultant Radiologist ANNOUNCEMENT OF A CALL FOR PROJECT PROPOSALS UNDER Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan for Malta 2023-2027 The Ministry responsible for European Funds is launching a call for project proposals as indicated hereunder: Intervention 73.5.3: On-Farm Productive Investments (Diversification) The first batch of the call will close on 30th May 2025 at noon. Prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to https://fondi.eu/ to access the CAP Strategic Plan, as well as the Guidance Notes and the application forms related to this calls. Information sessions for this call are being organised as follows: • The Oaks Business Centre, Farsons Street, Ħamrun on Monday 24th February 2025 • Government Experimental Farm, Mgarr Road, Xewkija on Wednesday 26th February 2025 To register for these information sessions, kindly access the below QR Code or call SEM on 2779 7300. Further queries are to be sent by email on fondi.eu@gov.mt