Students and members of staff met together at the MCAST Campus Pjazzetta to celebrate International Women’s Day. Many stood out wearing yellow, the colour chosen for this year’s celebration, representing joy, positivity, and innate creativity.
Women were of course the special guests at today’s event. Women from different backgrounds were served refreshments, including yellow muffins provided for the occasion by the College and served by CSR students.
Ms Edel Cassar welcomed all those present and highlighted the main objectives of celebrating the Internationall Women”s Day, namely to honour women, advance the cause of gender equality, and create a feeling of connection and empowerment within the MCAST campus community.
A full programme of performances and recitals was in full swing by mid morning, with Ms Rose Piccinino providing most of the musical entertainment, most notably a piano rendition of John Lennon’s famous Imagine and Hymne by Vangelis, among other pieces with MaryGrace Micallef. Recitals included Mario Azzopardi’s memorable poem ‘Refuġjata’, read out by Mr Joseph Zammit, about the sorrows of a bereaved Palestinian mother. Sergio Grech’s short story ‘Tisfija’ about predation, outstandingly recited by Ms Marced Zahra Sacco, served as a brilliant point of departure for the ensuing discussion. A panel moderated by Sandra Cortis and made up of female staff members Valerie Attard, Lauraine Kenely, Sharon Vella, Janice Vella, Doreen Micallef, Elysia Maria Barbara, and Denise Camilleri discussed the challenges and meaning behind women’s identities in this day and age. A theme which stood out in today’s celebrations was vulnerability and power. Deputy Principal Mario Cardona read a few poems from his book and Francesca Attard closed the event with a poem in English. The celebrations were well-attended and a great success. Students and staff alike had a great time remembering the special women in their life.