Banking on Women (BoW) will be organising a range of social activities this year, including cooking lessons, parenting skills sessions, and a variety of expert talks, geared towards de-stressing and promoting greater work-life balance among its members.

The organised activities will be in addition to the usual mix of philanthropic, developmental and cultural activities hosted by BoW all year round. This was announced by the new BoW President Natalie Meilak during this year’s Annual General Meeting, which saw a record attendance of 135 women.

BoW is a voluntary female association within HSBC Bank Malta which aims to actively support women in realising their career ambitions within the bank as well as other life goals.

Moving away from tradition, BoW will open up to male participation in a number of its events and activities.

Natalie Meilak said: “We have continued to evolve organically for more than a decade, and are now encouraging both females and males to join our activities. Members will be offered free talks and events, and courses at substantial discounts. Family and friends can also participate in certain activities.”

Notable events in 2014 were an artistic session, ‘Theatrum Melitense II’, by Brian Grima, a yoga session, high tea at Palazzo Parisio, a session on stress relief by Kathleen Vella, and an end of summer networking event at Haywharf Valletta, among other.

The 2015 calendar is packed with a slew of engaging activities, including a cooking lesson for males at ITS, a talk by Italian designer at Idea Casa, another talk on fashion by a MEXX stylist, and pilates sessions.

The new 2015 BoW committee members are: President Natalie Meilak, Membership Secretary Alexandra Pace, Secretary Charmaine Attard, Treasurer Laverne Calleja Pace, Public Relations Officer Samantha Hollyoak, Events Coordinator Loredana Mallia, and member Elizabeth Vella.

During the event the BoW committee particularly thanked its supporters: HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., Hilton Malta, and Krea.