The Ministry of Equality recently organised a special visit to the Gibraltar Parliament for the mentees of the sixth cycle of the Ministry’s Women’s Mentorship Programme. 

The Speaker of the Gibraltar Parliament, Judge Karen Ramagge, addressed the mentees, providing an overview of the history of the Parliament building and then speaking about her career trajectory to date. Madam Speaker was the first woman in Gibraltar to be appointed as notary public, stipendiary magistrate, Coroner and Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. She became Gibraltar’s first woman Speaker of Gibraltar Parliament in November 2023. 

Madam Speaker’s presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session, with the mentees taking the unique opportunity to seek her views on a broad range of matters and many conversing with her more personally. 

The visit to Parliament is one of several group learning sessions organised for the mentees aimed at providing different learning opportunities, fostering rapport amongst the group and widening their network of contacts. 

Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, Christian Santos, said, “I am grateful to Madam Speaker for kindly extending a warm invitation and welcome to the mentees of the Women’s Mentorship Programme. This session at Parliament was innovative and special, and the mentees felt privileged to be able to hear from Madam Speaker, given her varied roles in the Judiciary and in public service. This event has proven to be a singular and memorable one for all involved in the unique setting of the Gibraltar Parliament Building.” 

The Speaker of the Gibraltar Parliament, Judge Karen Ramagge, said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to have the opportunity to address this group of vibrant, clever women seeking professional and personal advancement. Their interest and enthusiasm made for a most thought-provoking evening from which I gained a valuable insight into the passion and strength that motivates so many of the women in our community.”