HSBC Bank Malta will become the first organisation in the country to support a new non-profit organisation, Women Directors Malta (WDM), in its objective to improve gender diversity at board level across the country.

WDM was set up to help women make the right connections and reach board level within their own organisation or to take on a non-executive board role and other board level roles in other sectors. The non-profit organisation works to cultivate a new understanding and acceptance of the strong impact women deliver at top levels.

HSBC Malta chairman Sonny Portelli, CEO Andrew Beane and WDM president Michelle Gialanze signed the agreement, which sees the bank support various outreach campaigns and events of WDM.

“WDM has consistently argued that women of all backgrounds should have equal opportunity and equal access to progress to board level positions, creating a level playing field.

“Board appointments should be made on the basis of commercial needs, skills and ability. It also believes that there are clear business arguments for appointing women at board level,” said Ms Gialanze.

WDM will today be launching a Charter and Quality Mark which recognise and reward organisations that provide diversity on boards. The event is being held at The Casino Maltese. More information on info@womendirectors.org.mt