Empowering Women through Art: NetRefer Commissions Local Artist to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2023
NetRefer has always considered International Women’s Day to be very important. On this day, we take the opportunity each year to recognize and honour all the exceptional women at NetRefer who are trendsetters, influencers, trailblazers, and visionaries.
This year, we aimed to show our gratitude for the exceptional contributions that the women of NetRefer make on a daily basis. However, we also thought it essential to extend our appreciation to valued female clients. We are indelibly grateful to all the women who have contributed to making NetRefer the Company it is today. This International Women’s Day, NetRefer wished to celebrate women through art.
Art has been one of the foremost methods of expression for centuries. It is a powerful tool which has the ability to bring people together and create meaningful connections through shared experiences, community, and celebration. Most importantly, art can change the way we think.
To make this idea a reality, NetRefer commissioned local artist, Steffi Venturi, to create an image which would highlight this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #EmbraceEquity, while tying the image with traditional Maltese emblems – a testament to the country which the women of NetRefer call home.
NetRefer’s Local Art Commission
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually by NetRefer, endeavouring to diversify the medium each time. This year, we’ve decided to take a creative approach and enlist a local artist to create an image which unites and empowers women of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Gender equity is not only a fundamental human right but a necessary component of peace and fairness.
NetRefer acknowledged this year’s collective activism and desired to be a part of it. We share the belief, along with many others, that promoting equity is crucial in achieving genuine equality, which in turn leads to success for all.
The image portrays a group of diverse women embracing themselves in a manner which mirrors the #EmbraceEquity campaign. They each hold species of flowers native to the Maltese islands and are hovered over several Maltese symbols and emblems in order to tie in the country which many of the NetReferian women call home.
This portrait aligns with the inspirational theme and communicates a significant message to all women about the significance of equity. It aims to initiate a conversation about why equal rights are insufficient, and the campaign for equity emphasizes how advocating for equal rights can be divisive, rather than inclusive. Our objective was not only to promote a local artist but also to unite our clients and female staff and establish stronger connections with empowered women.
Steffie Venturi, a Maltese freelance illustrator, creatively captured the essence of equity for women. She holds a Fine Arts degree from The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST) and has a passion for colourful and cute themes. Since graduating, she has expanded her business to encompass digital arts and illustrations, distinguished by a simplistic yet playful style. Like many creatives, she draws inspiration from the individuals, creatures, and locales in her surroundings.
If you’re interested in checking out more of her illustrations and works, click here to visit her social media.
The Women of NetRefer
NetRefer is the crystallisation of the vision of our CEO and Founder – Raphael Arnold. In 2005, a booming iGaming industry was fertile soil for NetRefer to establish itself as the most complete and trusted Affiliate Marketing Platform. We take pride in playing our part in their journey towards becoming industry giants.
We also take pride in the determined and progressive women of the Company. Without their contribution as leaders, forward-thinkers, and game-changers, NetRefer would not be the Company it is.
NetRefer is home to an abundance of impressive, hard-working women and we’re proud that they choose to continue growing and thriving with us. Our “motley crew” of characters range from tech gurus to client-facing champions, and an array of troupers in between.
Amanda Camenzuli is the manager of the Account Management team. She is a born leader who is fully immersed in her role and has a strong appreciation for her team. Outside the office, you can find Amanda at the karaoke bar until dawn comes.
Amanda leads a diverse team at NetRefer, including Elena Scicluna. Despite her background in Economics, Elena embraced a new challenge by immigrating to Malta from Russia and becoming an accomplished Account Manager at NetRefer.
Meanwhile, Michela Camilleri is the Company’s rising star who makes up part of NetRefer’s dynamic Acquisitions team. Although she is one of the younger members of the team, her plucky attitude makes for someone who knows how to get things done.
NetRefer’s vibrant team consists of women who are passionate about their roles and bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the table. Behind the scenes, women in different departments work tirelessly to sustain the Company’s stature and excellence.
Naila Hashmi, NetRefer’s Talent Experience representative, is a determined professional who moved from Pakistan to Malta to continue building a thriving career in HR.
Lorena Orelo, and Amelie Rigaud are determined and courageous young women who left the familiarity of their home countries to pursue their dreams of learning English and building their careers in a foreign land.
Carmen Aquilina is NetRefer’s Senior Housekeeper who has just marked her 16th year with the Company. She is a passionate explorer and young at heart, who is always eager about getting people together for a casual celebration. Working hand in hand with Carmen is Miriam Cassar, a dedicated team member who places great value on family and shares an unbreakable bond with her daughter and grandchildren. Together, they radiate positivity and inspiration.
Office Administrator, Sue Borg, brings her own brand of energy and enthusiasm to the team. An avid traveller and thrill-seeker, Sue is always looking for ways to stay engaged and push herself to new heights.
In the Marketing department, we find NetRefer’s Content Writer, Christina Beach. Though she started out on a different career path, she has found her true calling in creating enigmatic content and is now embarking on an exciting new journey with NetRefer. Anastasia Arqueros is NetRefer’s artistic force, passionate about gaming and visual design. She recently triumphed in conceptualizing the creative and compelling International Women’s Day initiative.
Alison Camillieri, a firecracker in nature, is an invaluable member of the Finance team who ensures that everyone is paid on time, every time. Meanwhile, Giovanna Busacca is a bulldog in Accounts Receiving, ensuring that payments are paid on time.
Svitlana Nagaichenko is NetRefer’s Ukrainian-born Project Manager with a passion for board games and is a self-proclaimed chess aficionado who has mastered the 7-move checkmate.
NetRefer’s Technical Project Manager, Nanees Ibrahim, is a multilingual powerhouse hailing from Serbia. In the male-dominated IT industry, Nanees spearheads technical projects with utmost precision.
Leading NetRefer’s User Experience team is the unstoppable Irish national, Sarah Power, who sprints to her work the same way she dominates half-marathons – she crushed her latest race just last month! Her team includes Lynsey Kuye, who strives to enhance employee and client education through the NetRefer Academy.
NetRefer’s legal advisor, Michal Katz, is a shark in the legal team with a soft side for her furry friend, Shuki, who is the apple of her eye.
Michela Caldiero, our newest member of the Solutions Delivery team, comes from a background in Conservation Genetics and is passionate about science and new discoveries.
Equality vs Equity
Although they are used interchangeably, “equity” is not synonymous with “equality”. Equality was the basis for democracy, championing the belief that people should have the same opportunities in life.
Many times, the term “equality” is used to mean “fair for all”. However, the concept of “fairness” can only be truly effective when all individuals are provided with equal opportunities from the get-go, which is a rarity. The reality is that people begin their journeys at different points and in different circumstances. Therefore, it is not fair to give each individual “equal” resources because they do not always start with the same opportunities in life as their peers.
On the other hand, equity is defined as providing people with the necessary tools they need to be successful. In other words, it’s not giving everyone the same thing, but rather identifying and eliminating barriers that prevent full participation from some groups.
Join the colourful and dynamic team that is NetRefer! Meet like-minded forward thinkers and game changers in the industry, share experiences, and make memories that will last a lifetime. You belong here!