Overture Diversity Network Meeting 2024
The terms diversity and inclusion are often heard, but their significance cannot be overstated. They are essential for ensuring that all our members feel truly at home in our Association. Malta Girl Guides’ Diversity Team ensures that the right training and support are given to our prospective and current adult volunteers, while also creating ongoing, relevant projects that aim to raise awareness on various topics related to diversity.
Last month, our Diversity Team Coordinator, Maria Mercieca, along with Team Member Marie Micallef, participated in this year’s European Regions of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Overture Diversity Network Meeting in Crawfordsburn, Northern Ireland. The event was hosted by The Scout Association, Scouting Ireland, Catholic Guides of Ireland and Girlguiding UK.
The objective of the meeting was to enhance the understanding of diversity and inclusion while focusing on essential themes that support our program for all participants to learn and enjoy. This was accomplished through a variety of workshops, knowledge sharing, plenary sessions and informative talks, all addressing key diversity and inclusion principles across different topics, namely race equity, neurodivergence, mental health and well-being, culture, peace education, LGBTQIA+, the Period Education Poverty Programme and socioeconomic inclusion. Additionally, the event featured diverse leaders from Guides and Scouts across Europe, underscoring their commitment to diversity and inclusion within their associations.
The weekend seminar had very fruitful discussions and opportunities that align with the practices of the Malta Girl Guides. Participants returned home with numerous initiatives and ideas to make our Association more inclusive and open to members regardless of socio-economic background, beliefs, citizenship status, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, language, nationality, race or age.
We are looking forward to what’s yet to come. Watch this space to stay updated with Malta Girl Guides’ latest projects and adventures in order to ensure that we are creating a safe space for all of our members.
