In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling St. George’s Square, a group of women gather weekly. They’re not just there for the pigeons or the history; they’re there to innovate. Welcome to the ‘Mothers of Invention’, Malta’s hidden force driving change and creativity.

The Birth of an Idea

It started with a simple question: ‘Why can’t we, as mothers, use our skills and time to make Malta a better place?’. That was two years ago, and today, the Mothers of Invention (MOI) is a thriving community of over 100 women, from all walks of life, united by their desire to innovate and improve.

MOI was born out of a need to challenge the status quo, to break away from the mundane and create something meaningful. ‘We’re not just mothers,’ says co-founder Maria Attard, ‘we’re problem solvers, dreamers, doers. We’re the mothers of invention.’

Innovation in Action

MOI’s projects are as diverse as its members. There’s EcoMums, a group focusing on reducing plastic waste, which recently launched a successful campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bottles in local schools. Then there’s TechMums, teaching women to code, who’ve developed a mobile app to help parents manage their children’s school activities.

One of MOI’s most impactful initiatives is Maternal Mental Health Malta, founded by psychologist Claire Azzopardi. This support group provides a safe space for mothers to discuss and overcome mental health challenges, a taboo topic that MOI is helping to bring into the open.

Malta’s Changing scene

MOI is not just changing lives; it’s changing Malta’s scene. It’s a testament to the power of community and the untapped potential of women. ‘We’re showing that mothers aren’t just caregivers,’ says Maria, ‘we’re agents of change.’

MOI’s impact has not gone unnoticed. The group has received backing from the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and has been invited to present at international conferences. Yet, despite the recognition, MOI remains grounded, focused on its mission to empower and innovate.

As we walk back through the crowded streets of Valletta, Maria turns and smiles, ‘We’re not just mothers of invention; we’re the mothers of Malta’s future.’