US Embassy engages young women in speed-mentoring event

To commemorate International Day of the Girl and International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, US Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley and 21 Maltese women in positions of leadership engaged in ‘40 days of activism’ by posting their success stories on the US Embassy Facebook page.

The programme promoted mentorship of girls and youths to encourage them to fulfil their aspirations and reach the highest positions in every walk of life and sector of society. The women leaders included journalists, scientists, lawyers, judges, doctors, politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs and members of the police and armed forces.

The culmination of the ‘40 days of activism’ occurred on November 19 when Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley and the Maltese women leaders served as mentors to 43 young women in a speed-mentoring initiative at the US Embassy in Ta’ Qali.

The mentors shared their experiences, difficulties, success stories and tips to help young women gain access to careers of their choice and attain senior, decision-making positions.

In turn, the youths had the opportunity to share their aspirations and listen to the advice of successful women.

This event brought the programme’s online contributors to an offline event to support women’s issues and the empowerment of girls in Malta. In comments after the event, Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley shared her motto with the youths: “I will succeed because I deserve to.”

She thanked her fellow mentors for their commitment to the US Embassy’s initiative and reiterated the commitment of the US Government to speak out about violence against women and girls and to improve the protection and participation of women in civil society worldwide.