Published Date

Maria Attard awarded "Ġieħ ir-Repubblika"

Maria Attard has been awared "Ġieħ ir-Repubblika" in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Maltese society, particularly vulnerable people.

Maria Attard was born in Gozo and is well known for being very active in the social field inMalta and Gozo.  She is currently the Director of Dar Ġużeppa Debono, a centre that is run by volunteers which offers refuge, assistance as well as professional support to pregnant young women, which continues after they become mothers.  With the support of the local church, Ms Attard set up this centre 29 years ago, at a time when the cultural and sociological norms of Maltese society decreed that single mothers were marginalised and stigmatised.

In 2013, Maria Attard was featured in the Calendar “Women Inspiring Europe” published by the European Institute of Gender Equality (EIGE).  The EIGE deemed Ms Attard “Guardian of the vulnerable” due to her outstanding commitment to assisting vulnerable young women to acquire sustainable independence, avoid living on social benefits and find their place in society.  Through her work Ms Attard also gives help and support to the respective young fathers and their families.

Maria Attard has also been a member of the Commission for Domestic Violence since its inception in 2006.  Being a teacher, Ms Attard has extensive experience in the field of education.  She has also been actively involved and responsible for the organisation of awareness campaigns on a national scale dealing with various issues including teenage pregnancies and domestic violence.

JER 2880 copy

JER 3049 copy