Pictured above: Mrs Louise Luke, wife to the British High Commissioner, offering gift hampers on behalf of HSBC Malta Foundation during Women’s Day’s at MCAST

A morning of relaxation and beauty therapy was organised for women from the domestic violence shelters as part of International Women’s Day celebrations.

The event, organised by the HSBC Malta Foundation and the MCAST Institute of Community Services in collaboration with Banking on Women (BoW) and HSBC Malta’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, treated the ladies to a variety of relaxation and beauty therapies, including facials, makeovers, haircuts and hairstyling.

Women from Dar Merħba Bik, Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesu’, Dar Tereża Spinelli and Aġenzija Appoġġ, as well as those receiving support from St Jeanne Antide Foundation and Prison Fellowship received free treatments by lecturers and students from the MCAST Institute of Community Services, using products donated by Beauty Imports, Extremes Trading and Beauty Centre. Gift hampers, purchased with support from The Body Shop, were given out on the day.

“International Women’s Day celebrates the value of women in society, in appreciation of their dynamic roles and far-reaching achievements. This activity reinforces this important message while offering a special day of pampering to women constantly living with strenuous life challenges,” said HSBC Malta’s Chief Financial Officer Josephine Magri. She attended the activity together with Mrs Louise Luke, representing the British High Commissioner, and HSBC Malta Foundation’s Doriette Camilleri.

“We believe that education should not only be concerned with preparing students for successful employment careers. As educators, we are also entrusted with helping young individuals develop into responsible citizens. Today’s event embodies this mission, by giving students the opportunity to understand how they can use their skills to bring a smile on the faces of individuals experiencing difficult situations,” explained MCAST’s Principal and CEO Stephen Cachia. He thanked the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Institute’s students and staff for their efforts in this event.   

The principles of International Women’s Day are encompassed within HSBC’s vision for women’s career development. In line with this commitment, the bank offers specialised policies and activities, such as workshops, seminars and mentoring, geared specifically towards supporting its female employees.