Women for Women (Malta), an online community comprising over 31k members set up by Francesca Fenech Conti in 2015, has long served as a platform for women in desperate situations to seek financial aid, emotional support and expert advice, and now, the inspirational group has launched its very own Foundation!

Following several anonymous requests for desperate help – and one in particular which attracted hundreds of offers of help earlier this month – Francesca Fenech Conti, together with a core team of women, namely Ilona Busby, Joanne Falzon, Rama Krishna, Vanessa Farrugia, Charmaine Calleja, Joannie Grima, Edmea Debattista, Dr Carina Nagiah, Rose Vassallo, Anthea Brincat and Antoinette Gouder, decided it was time to create a system where people who are ready to help can donate easily. This is where the Women for Women Foundation and Social Fund was born. 

Catering for the emergency financial needs of women with children, the Social fund will be managed by the Women for Women Foundation, with funds generated through fundraising from the community members and by organising activities and events, commercial activities and inspiring others to do the same.

“We believe in empowering women by giving them the financial support they need in difficult times to enable them to raise their children in a safe and nurturing home environment. To fulfil these goals, we will continuously be working closely with organisations and experts in the field of domestic violence, poverty and homelessness,” says Francesca. 

“This is just the first step towards our big dream of creating the biggest women and children centred social fund Malta has ever seen, where everyone is part of its creation and its benefits,” she posted on the group.

The social fund’s first crowd-funding initiative, through which they are aiming to raise at least €10,000 by January 2020 was launched on 22nd November and has already garnered over €7,000. 

The fund will cover:

• The initial set up of the fund and the foundation including all the requirements set out by law.
• The provision of interest-free microloans. To empower women to improve their long-term prospects by investing in the short term.
• Support for women and children in vulnerable situations through monetary assistance/free products, vouchers and services to enable them to overcome unexpected difficult circumstances such as illness or homelessness.

Want to be part of this incredible movement? Visit the crowdfunding page and follow the instructions to donate. Donations start from as little as €5. You can also help spread the word by sharing on socials – let’s all do our bit!