Reflections on International Women’s Day
It’s 1992, and I am 10 years old. My dad has just come home from work and I am finishing off my homework in my bedroom. I could overhear him talking animatedly to my mum - the more he spoke, the louder his voice got, and it was clear that my dad was downright angry. Like every child who is taught to mind her own business, I eavesdrop on the conversation.
My father was telling my mother about an argument that he had earlier that day with one of his colleagues during their lunch break. The argument arose as my dad was sharing his concern with his co-workers about the subjects that I wanted to choose in secondary school. He wanted to make sure I chose subjects I would enjoy and that would help me in whatever future career I chose. However, one of his colleagues apparently rebuffed his concerns arguing that I was ‘just a girl’, likely to get married, have kids, and never actually contribute to the labour market let alone have ‘a career’.
Dad was vexed. He explained to my mum how he gave his colleague a piece of his mind, saying: “As if I am going to expect less of her because she is a girl – she is smart, she has all the opportunities in the world, the sky is the limit!”

I always knew my parents loved me and wanted the best for me. But this episode has been etched in my mind for all of these years because it made me feel both proud of myself and proud to have a dad who would stick up for me. My dad defended my right to further education and to dream big. He saw beyond gender bias and, in early 1990s Malta, he believed his daughter could have a fulfilling, enriching career regardless of whether she chose to have a family or not. My dad was the first feminist I met. He played a key part in me believing in myself and my capabilities, never settling for second best and striving to achieve whatever I set my mind to.
International Women’s Day 2024: Inspire Inclusion
On the 8th of March, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. The theme for this year is Inspiring Inclusion, which made me think back to this early memory of my dad and how impactful his words were on me without him even knowing it!
“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.”- International Women’s Day 2024
While everyone can play a part in inspiring inclusion, we should not underestimate the impact that male role models can have on young women. Men still dominate most decision-making roles in society, from organisations to politics, so it is not simply enough for women to believe in their own worth and have female role models to look up to. We need leaders who can truly value inclusion and take the right decisions to help build a society based on equal opportunities, which is a win-win for all genders.
The truth is, my dad never intended for me to overhear this conversation. He was acting out of his own beliefs, and standing up for my rights. He was treating me as an equal in terms of career opportunities, in a time where Maltese women would be asked to leave their job after getting married. His colleague’s mentality was nothing out of the ordinary for 1992, but my dad was ahead of his time in fighting for women’s rights. Part of the reason that I got to where I am today is because he believed that I should be included, and given the best opportunity to succeed.
To all the male leaders, colleagues and fathers: never underestimate your power in inspiring inclusion. To all the women: keep on dreaming big and working towards your goals, you never know who you'll inspire!
Happy Women's Day!
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