Celebrating Malta’s Female Pioneers

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we honour the remarkable Maltese women who have paved the way for future generations. From politics and medicine to journalism, law, and sports, these women have left a lasting impact on our nation.

Pioneers in Politics & Leadership

Agatha Barbara (1923–2002)

A trailblazer for women’s rights, Agatha Barbara was Malta’s first female President, serving from 1982 to 1987. She holds the record as the longest-serving woman Member of Parliament in Maltese political history, having been elected in ten consecutive elections from 1947 to 1981. As Minister of Education, she introduced compulsory full-time basic education for all children, established a teacher training college, and made secondary education free, significantly advancing Malta’s educational system. 

Roberta Metsola

A distinguished Maltese politician, Roberta Metsola made history in January 2022 by becoming the youngest person and the first Maltese to serve as President of the European Parliament. She was re-elected for a second term in July 2024, becoming the first woman to hold the presidency for two consecutive terms. Prior to her presidency, Metsola served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2013 and was elected First Vice-President in November 2020. Her leadership reflects a commitment to European unity and democratic values.

Eve Borg Bonello

A passionate activist and politician, Eve Borg Bonello rose to prominence during the 2019–2020 Maltese protests for her vocal opposition to corruption. In April 2022, at the age of 18, she made history by becoming the youngest Member of Parliament ever elected to the Maltese House of Representatives, and she is currently the world’s youngest sitting member in a national legislature. She continues to advocate for good governance, the rule of law, and democracy in Malta. 

Pioneers in Medicine & Science

Dr. Blanche Huber (1892–1933)

A trailblazer in Maltese medicine, Dr. Blanche Huber was Malta’s first female doctor and the first known female medical student at the University of Malta, enrolling in 1919 and graduating in 1925. She practised as a pharmacist in Żejtun and made significant contributions to the medical field. In recognition of her achievements, a street in Sliema bears her name.

Irene Condachi (1899–1970)

A pioneering Maltese physician, Dr. Irene Condachi was one of only two female doctors practising in Malta during World War II. After earning her medical degree from the University of Naples and specialising in paediatrics at the University of Pavia, she returned to Malta and became instrumental in establishing medical services in schools. During the war, despite the dangers and lack of transportation, she examined and inoculated over 20,000 children between 1941 and 1942, effectively eradicating scabies from government schools. Her dedication significantly improved public health among Maltese children during a critical period. 

Dr Maria Sciberras (1940–2015)

A pioneering physician, Dr. Maria Sciberras was instrumental in combating drug addiction in Malta. She played a crucial role in establishing the Detox Centre at St. Luke’s Hospital and collaborated in founding the Fondazzjoni għar-Riabilitazzjoni mid-Droga. Her relentless dedication to supporting drug dependents earned her the Worker of the Year award in 1989.

Prof. Isabelle Stabile & Dr. Natalie Psaila Stabile

A distinguished Maltese gynaecologist and academic, Prof. Isabel Stabile has been at the forefront of medical education innovations in the UK and the US, authoring over 60 peer-reviewed publications, including eight books. She serves as a full-time professor at the University of Malta and is the only openly pro-choice gynaecologist in the country. Prof. Stabile co-founded Doctors for Choice, advocating for reproductive rights and providing support to women seeking abortion services.

A specialist in family medicine, Dr. Natalie Psaila co-founded Doctors for Choice and has been instrumental in advocating for reproductive rights in Malta. She published ‘My Body’s Fantastic Journey,’ a sex education book aimed at 10 to 13-year-olds, to improve knowledge of reproductive health. In 2023, Dr. Psaila was honored as the first Maltese woman included in the BBC’s 100 Women list, recognising her efforts in supporting women with information and advice on abortion. 

Together, this mother-daughter duo operates the Abortion Support Doula helpline, providing guidance and support to women considering or undergoing abortions, significantly impacting reproductive health and rights in Malta.  

Pioneers in Journalism

Mabel Strickland (1899–1988)

A pioneering journalist and politician, Mabel Strickland co-founded The Times of Malta in 1935 and served as its editor, ensuring uninterrupted publication even during World War II. She was elected to the Maltese Parliament in 1950 and 1962, advocating for press freedom and maintaining Malta’s ties with Britain and the Commonwealth. Strickland was also a fervent supporter of women’s suffrage, contributing to Maltese women’s right to vote in 1947. In 1979, she established the Strickland Foundation to promote freedom and democracy. 

Daphne Caruana Galizia (1964-2017)

A courageous Maltese journalist and anti-corruption activist, Daphne Caruana Galizia was renowned for her investigative reporting on political events in Malta. She focused on government corruption, nepotism, and allegations of money laundering. Despite facing intimidation, threats, and numerous lawsuits, she persisted in her investigative journalism. Her assassination by a car bomb in October 2017 drew widespread international condemnation and underscored the risks faced by journalists exposing corruption. In her honour, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation continues to promote freedom of the press and support investigative journalism. 

Ana Tortell

A passionate Maltese journalist and university graduate, Ana Tortell is known for her fervent engagement in humanitarian issues and justice. She serves as a journalist at Lovin Malta, where she covers a diverse range of topics.

Pioneers in Law

Ena Cremona (1936-2024)

Ena Cremona was the first woman to actively practice law in Maltese courts. Graduating from the University of Malta in 1958, she became the second woman to earn a law degree from the institution. Her distinguished career included serving as Malta’s first female judge at the General Court of the European Union from 2004 until her resignation in 2011. Cremona also contributed to various public bodies, including the Public Service Commission and the Electoral Commission, and served on the Board of Directors for Lombard Bank (Malta) Ltd. 

Madam Justice Anna Felice

In 2006, Anna Felice made history by becoming one of Malta’s first female judges. Prior to her appointment, she practiced law and served as a magistrate. Throughout her tenure, Judge Felice has presided over significant cases, including those related to human rights and domestic violence, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and the rule of law.  

Dr. Lara Dimitrijevic

A prominent lawyer and activist, Dr. Lara Dimitrijevic is the founding partner at Sciberras Associates, specialising in family law and human rights. She established the Women’s Rights Foundation (WRF) in Malta, dedicated to informing, educating, and empowering women regarding their legal rights. Through WRF, Dr. Dimitrijevic provides free legal assistance to women who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and gender discrimination. Her commitment to women’s rights has made her a leading voice in advocating for policy and law reform in Malta.

Prof. Frances Camilleri-Cassar

A distinguished Maltese academic, Prof. Frances Camilleri-Cassar is the first woman to attain Full Professorship in the Faculty of Laws at the University of Malta. With over thirty years in academia, she has extensively researched and published on social policy and equality law, integrating her social science background with legal studies. Her recent monograph, “Academic Research Methods for the Law Student: a practical guide,” includes innovative chapters on law and economics and feminist legal research methods. Prof. Camilleri-Cassar also chairs the Research Ethics Committee and is a member of the Human Rights Law Platform.

Pioneers in Activism

Adelaide Cini (1838–1885)

A Maltese philanthropist, Adelaide Cini dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable women and children. At 18, she sought to become a nun but was advised that her true calling lay outside the convent. She founded the ‘Conservatorio Cini’ in Santa Venera, providing shelter and education to orphaned and abandoned girls. Her compassionate work led Pope Pius X to declare her venerable in 1910. In 2019, the Archdiocese of Malta reopened her beatification process, recognising her enduring legacy in social and religious history.

Dr. Marceline Naudi

A Maltese academic and activist, Dr. Marceline Naudi is an Associate Professor at the University of Malta’s Department of Gender and Sexualities. A social worker by profession, she has dedicated her career to gender equality, violence prevention, and LGBTIQ+ rights. She serves as an elected member of GREVIO, the monitoring body of the Istanbul Convention, and is actively involved in EU-funded research on femicide and gender-based violence.

Francesca Zammit & Emily Galea

A Maltese filmmaker, activist, and feminist, Francesca co-founded Young Progressive Beings in 2019, focusing on reproductive justice. She holds a Bachelor’s in Dance Studies and a Master’s in Film Studies from the University of Malta, and has collaborated with various cultural institutions, including Teatru Salesjan, Opening Doors, and Malta’s first Refugee Week Festival. 

With a Master’s in Gender, Society & Culture, Emily is the President of Young Progressive Beings, advocating for reproductive rights in Malta. She co-leads “Dear Decision Makers,” a storytelling campaign highlighting the impact of Malta’s abortion laws, and is committed to addressing gender injustice.

Isabelle Bonnici

A Maltese activist, Isabelle Bonnici became a prominent figure following the tragic death of her son, Jean Paul Sofia, in a construction site collapse in December 2022. Channeling her grief into advocacy, she has tirelessly campaigned for justice and improved safety regulations within Malta’s construction industry. Her relentless efforts led to the establishment of a public inquiry into her son’s death, which highlighted significant oversight failures by state authorities.

Pioneers in Sports

Haley Bugeja

A talented Maltese footballer, Haley Bugeja plays as a forward for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A and the Malta women’s national team. She began her senior career at 14 with Mġarr United, scoring 52 goals in 29 appearances. In 2020, she joined Sassuolo, netting 15 goals in 30 matches over two seasons. After a brief stint with Orlando Pride in the NWSL, Bugeja signed with Inter Milan in 2023. 

Yazmin Zammit Stevens

A trailblazing Maltese weightlifter, Yazmin Zammit Stevens made history as the first female weightlifter to represent Malta at the Olympics, competing in the women’s 64 kg event at the Tokyo 2020 Games. She has also participated in prestigious competitions such as the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games, achieving notable placements.

Maja Theuma

A dedicated Maltese para swimmer, Maja Theuma has been competing both locally and internationally for the past five years. She represented Malta at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, competing in the S6 50m Freestyle event. Maja is also a brand ambassador for Toyota Malta, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination. 

Francesca Curmi

A trailblazing tennis player, Francesca Curmi made history as the first Maltese woman to participate in a WTA Tour main draw at the 2023 Palermo Ladies Open. She has secured three singles and two doubles titles on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour. Curmi achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 299 in September 2023. Notably, she clinched a silver medal in women’s doubles at the 2022 Mediterranean Games alongside Elaine Genovese. 

Conclusion

These remarkable women represent just a small fraction of the many Maltese female pioneers who have shaped our history and continue to inspire future generations. From politics and medicine to activism, journalism, law, and sports, countless women have challenged norms, broken barriers, and paved the way for a more equal society.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, let’s recognise and honour all the women—past and present—who have made a difference in Malta and beyond. Their stories remind us that progress is built on the courage, resilience, and determination of those who dare to lead.