The SHE Word

In this very first episode of The She Word Mums, Host Nerissa and Guests discuss one of the most common themes that surround motherhood, but a topic that is not always spoken about – Mum Guilt and Mum Judgement. Research shows that over 90% of Mums experience Mum guilt at some point or another during their motherhood journey, and most Mums also go one to experience shame and inadequacy. Surprisingly, a big part of this guilt and shame is brought about by others (Mums) passing judgement on parenting decisions.

In the first Mum-focused show, the ladies dive into, and explore, what Mum Guilt means, why they are made to feel Mum Guilt, the influence of social media on Mum Guilt amongst others. Nerissa and the guest explore ways of how to mitigate guilt and have more self compassion for themselves as Mums.

In this first show of this new series, host Nerissa Massa, Mum of two, is joined by Melissa Gatt, a south African living in Malta – influencer and content creator and Mum of three, Rosalie Borg – pro athlete and PE teacher and Mum of two, and Gail , a stay at home Mum of two. Together they navigate their own experience of Mum Guilt and how they are learning to move away from this to live a more fulfilled present life, by being kinder to themselves and learning to let go of the small stuff.

If you are a Mum, this is a MUST WATCH! This conversation aims to make Mums everywhere feel supported, seen and more importantly not alone. If you are a Dad – this is a worthy watch too as it helps you understand your partner or Mum of your kids a little bit better!

This show has been kindly brought to you by:

Brown's Pharma

Hyatt Regency

AyurVeda ProHealth

Tampax & Always

Slinky & Co

BabyLino, Aptamil, BioGaia Drops, Curababy, Palmers, Frulla Fruit Pouches, Ninolac Cereals

The shocking statistics are that only 0.5% of rape cases in the EU lead to conviction. And 97% of rapists never see a day behind bars. Even when women speak out, justice is rarely served.

In this powerful episode of The SHE Word’s Young Women’s Edition, host Sasha Vella leads a crucial discussion on consent, a topic that remains misunderstood, ignored, and legally unprotected in Malta.

Consent isn’t just about saying yes or no — it’s about autonomy, boundaries, respect, and education. Yet, despite growing awareness, systemic failures continue to put women at risk.

Joining Sasha at the table are three outstanding guests; Emma Agius, Antonella Bugeja, and Mel McElhatton, who bring both first-hand experience and professional insight to the conversation.

Emma Agius shares her personal experience of being failed by Malta’s legal system as a rape survivor, while Antonella Bugeja and Mel McElhatton examine the psychological effects of consent violations and how young women can be empowered to assert their boundaries in relationships, dating, and daily life. Together, they explore the legal gaps that fail survivors, the lasting impact of sexual violence, and the urgent need for better education and awareness.

As Malta remains one of 15 EU countries that does not define rape based on lack of consent, this episode asks: what needs to change?

This is a conversation that every young woman—and man—needs to hear.

Warning, this show includes open discussion about rape, suicide, and trauma, should you need help, please contact the Richmond Foundation on 1770 or +356 21 224580, or Olli Chat: https://olli.chat/ or Victim Support Malta on +356 2122 8333, [email protected]

The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the interviewees in this program are solely their own and do not reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the interviewer, the production team, or any affiliated entities.

The interviewer assumes no responsibility or liability for any comments made by the interviewees during the course of the program. Viewers are encouraged to form their own opinions and interpretations based on the information presented.

According to statistics sobriety and the Sober Curious Culture is on the increase. This January 1 in 3 adults over 21 said they wanted to take a month off drinking alcohol for the month and it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults completed the challenge.

But, what if alcohol presents a longer term issue? What if alcohol is a means of escape from trauma or challenges? What if getting tipsy becomes more than just a means to relax in social situations? And what is drinking alone becomes more than the odd occurrence and turns into an uncontrollable habit?

In this deeply personal and moving episode, Trudy sits down with her three guests to share the painful reasons behind her relatively recent choice to stop drinking. The four ladies discuss the cold reality of today’s drinking culture, the pressure to conform, the alcoholic gene, and the reasons her guests have chosen a sober route.

South African - Maltese Influencer Melissa Gatt shares her personal struggles of social drinking and motivation behind her decision to quit alcohol 4 years ago. Empowerment Coach Mei Berrit returns to the show to discuss this topic after first sharing her story on the show Women and Addiction - celebrating 2 and a half years of sobriety. And influencer Therese Galea (offdisisland) brings a different perspective to the topic; mum of two and pregnant with her third child, Therese shares her new evaluation of social drinking after 7 months of abstaining.

The four women go on to delve into the pressures to drink, the benefits of not drinking, and how the sober choice has changed their lives. The conversation is personal, relatable and often very funny as these ladies navigate a rarely-discussed topic.

Sobriety is not for everyone, but if you have even considered your drinking choices, or the choices of someone close to you, this is a MUST SEE.

This episode of The SHE Word podcast is a show that truly reflects the strapline 'conversations women rarely have but really should' - a show discussing one of the most taboo topics in Malta; Abortion.

Just to be clear, this show is NOT a conversation about the polarised opinions or political viewpoints. This is a discussion looking at the heartbreaking stories of real women, couples and families having to make the choices that none would ever want to have to make. It looks at the impact of Malta’s 'Blanket Ban’ - historically a complete ban on abortion - carrying prosecution and a potential prison sentence of up to 3 years for those undertaking abortion, and those assisting them - whatever the circumstances.

The truth is we all know and love someone who has had an abortion, even if we don’t know who they are. In truth this is a topic that can touch anyone of us, and for far too long compassion has been removed from this topic. In this show we address the truth about abortion in Malta; the ‘underground abortions’ or traveling abroad, as a result of the Blanket Ban*; the real stories of women, couples and families dealing with a wide variety of agonising situations that lead to them making this painful choice that has been politicised, polarised and shamed.

Host Trudy Kerr starts the episode starts by asking the BIG question - why is the topic of abortion so emotive, and so difficult to talk about, particularly in Malta. The show delves into true stories of women, couples and families facing abortion decisions and the real circumstances that lead them to their choices. The show guests addresses the Maltese law on abortion - one of the strictest in the world - and the reality of persecution. The discussion gives space to address a man’s perspective, along with his responsibility, to include a man’s role within the subject of pregnancy and abortion. The conversation also turns its attention to prevention and what we can ALL do to reduce the potential for an unwanted pregnancy situation to arise. The show also addresses the rage, hate and love that arises every time this topic is discussed.

The guests joining Trudy in the show are two women really sticking their necks out by bringing the play 'Blanket Ban' to Malta, Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella, the production that addresses the issue by looking at Malta and the real life stories of the women faced with abortion. Joining the conversation is Maria Pisani, an academic who has made a commitment to providing a safe space for women of all ages to share their experiences, without judgement.

Watch with an open heart, watch and be seen.

Ps. Whilst we absolutely respect everyone’s opinion, we will not tolerate hate. Should you wish to comment on the topic, make sure you watch the show first.

See Blanket Ban at Spazju Kreativ this March: https://kreattivita.org/en/event/blanket-ban/2025-03-07/

If you need advice and guidance without judgement, contact FPAS at https://www.fpas.mt or on 2778 0037 or 2034 1686.

For great resources for sex education and discussion for young women, check out https://fumble.org.uk/

*Abortion is now granted if the woman’s life is in immediate danger, upon then agreement of three medical professionals.

In a week that is focused on Women’s Day, The SHE Word brings you a special interview two incredible powerhouses of women who have made activism, feminism and compassion a lifestyle choice.

Dutch politician and activist Lilianne Ploumen sits with Host Trudy Kerr at the table. Lilianne has been leader of the Labour Party in the Netherlands as well as Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. In 2017 Lilianne Ploumen started the “She Decides” campaign, an initiative of over 50 countries, organisations and foundations to finance global family planning initiatives. In 2017 Lilianne Ploumen was awarded Dame Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Also at the table by Madam Ambassador Djoeke Adimi, the Dutch Ambassador to Malta. Madam Ambassador also has a passion for women and women’s rights, and whilst in her position here in Malta as Ambassador, has taken time to empower and encourage the women of Malta in issues facing us today.

In this outstanding interview the ladies share their common origins in rural Holland and their joint passion for making change and improve the lives of other women, even from an early age. Lilianne Ploumen and Madam Ambassador passionately discuss the roles and opportunities of the past, in contrast with the opportunities - and pressures - of today. The conversation also dives into the gender bias of today’s landscape - the challenges of male-biased AI, data in healthcare, women’s health, reproductive rights, women in politics, and contextualises these against the expectations of women living today. The guests also highlight their experiences in Politics, and the need for more women in politics as well as how they overcome the challenges and abuse they have received for standing up for what they believe. They share their thoughts on discerning what matters and what we should strive to ignore and rise above in a drive to empower all women The conversation also turns to Sex Education and Reproductive Rights, addressing the difficulty of taking about the topic the compassion that the discussion needs.

Listen to these amazing women to be inspired, empowered and motivated to reach higher and overcome the obstacles that may be holding you back from making the difference you know that you can achieve.

For so many of us the thought of a discussion about good financial health immediately triggers a reaction - and not necessarily a good one.

In this episode Host Trudy Kerr and her guests take a passionate, professional and personal close look at Gender Based Career Dynamics, Stereotypes, Gender Balance at Home, Working Mum Guilt, Debt Management and Good Financial Health.

Tax returns, credit cards, pensions, savings, debt management can be create a feeling of dread, panic and worry. Looking at the statistics, it is easy to understand why. In Malta, the gender pay gap sits at 10.2%, however, this gap was higher in certain sectors, such as manufacturing (24.8%), financial and insurance activities (24.1%), and real estate activities (23%).

‘Quite simply, women do not create wealth at the same rates as men. According to the OECD, women receive 26% less income from the pension system than men. 1 in 5 Europeans are in danger of poverty in their old age, and this is 30% higher in women’ Petra Hielkema

The good news is that women are increasingly taking up leadership and executive roles across the financial industry - Women have gradually risen to leadership positions within major insurance companies. In the past few decades, more women have taken on executive and board roles in global insurance firms. Female executives are now shaping strategic decisions in areas like underwriting, risk management, and claims, but more can be achieved.

Joining Host Trudy Kerr for this episode is:

Petra Hielkema

Petra is the Chairperson of EIOPA - The European Investments and Occupational Pensions Authority and has been leading the Authority since September 2021. Petra has a rich heritage in Financial advisory positions at a European level and situated in locations all across Europe.

Andrea Zerafa

Andrea is a lawyer by profession, and holds the position of Deputy Head within the Insurance and Pensions Supervision team at the Malta Financial Services Authority. She is a legal expert, in charge of overseeing changes to legislations, regulations and transpositions for the insurance sector in Malta. Andrea is a proud mother of 3, with the youngest being a one-year old.

Romina Farrugia

Romina is Deputy Head within Insurance and Pensions Supervision team at the Malta Financial Services Authority, and has been with the MFSA for more than 10 years. She is also an expert in financial analysis, and overseas all passporting notifications. Romina is a certified accountant and a mother of two young teens.

In this episode, created in conjunction with the MFSA, the ladies passionately talk through a wide range of areas sharing wisdom, knowledge, compassion and lived experience. From ‘starting them young’ to starting right now, whatever your age, it is never too late to take care of your financial health.

Many thanks to MFSA for working with us to create this conversation.

This is a truly brilliant episode of The SHE Word, not only because of the fantastic topic but also because of the diva queens sitting at the table. This episode is full of golden nuggets, home truths, juicy stories and truthful journeys.

With over half the female population experiencing either divorce, separation, or annulment, many of us will ask the question ‘What does love look like second time round?”, or for some, third, fourth and fifth.... This show looks at love after the love that you thought would last forever, and is to give hope to all women who find themselves dealing with the unthinkable.

Host Trudy Kerr is joined by TV presenter, mum, lifestyle guru and book author Sarah Bajada as she shares her self discovery journey whilst navigating true love, especially in the public eye. TSW regular Sue Caruana joins the table to share what it feels like to finally discover real love at the age of 55. Stephanie Zammit is a mother, Miss World veteran, hyrox queen and Maltese teacher, and Steph speaks open and honestly about the lessons she had to learn when she met the Love after ‘True Love’.

The women at the table share their stories of dysfunctional relationships and bad breakups. The episode asks the question ‘Did you think you would ever be happy again?’ and looks at the lessons learned.

This brilliant show also dives into the differences in love second time round, the different dynamics, navigating the relationship with children and changed perspectives.

Make time for this brilliantly lively discussion and learn with the ladies, feel seen as the guests share common challenges, and share in these women’s positive hope for True Love after the love you thought would last forever.

A HUGE thanks to all of our programme partners who support The SHE Word and help us make this happen: Browns, M&Z Wines, ProHealth, Tampax and Always, Myoka Spas, BOSS, YUE, Natrue, Zagori water, AyurVeda and Uber

In this lighthearted and entertaining episode, The SHE Word looks at the timely topic of finding LOVE.

Whether you believe it or not, over 79% of us believe in genuine love whether or not they have experienced it. However, The love statistics say that the probability of finding true love is around 3-5%. This may sound extremely pessimistic, but think of it like this: 80% percent of us believe in a real deep love, but we don’t know what it looks like, how to recognise it, and therefore where to find it.

In this show host Trudy Kerr sits down with; Marija Attard - a teacher and psychotherapist who provides Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, Victoria Chan, originally from Panama but a business owner here in Malta who is making a living from the extremely successor Sip And Paint and singer songwriter and recording artist Lyndsey Pace, who shares her stories of the failed relationships she navigated on the way to find her life long partner.

In this show, the women around the table define what true love is, and what it isn’t. The conversation looks at how our upbringing and background shapes the way we view relationships, why it is so hard to let go of love - even when we know it isn't working for us. The discussion focuses on our values and expectations and how this can shape how we approach relationships and what we should accept and what is not ok. The table also looks at our own behaviour in relationships and why we should be mindful of what we bring.

In this heartwarming show, the ladies share stories of true love lost and life long love found, the cost of love and where and when we should look for the person who brings love to our lives.

A HUGE thanks to all of our programme partners who support The SHE Word and help us make this happen:

Brown, M&Z Wines, ProHealth, Tampax and Always, Myoka Spas, BOSS, YUE, Natrue, Zagori water, AyurVeda and Uber

This empowering episode is an absolute MUST for every single woman of all ages! A study with over 50,000 adult participants, revealed that only 65% of heterosexual women usually or always orgasm when intimate in comparison to heterosexual men (95%) indicating a 30% difference in the orgasm gap.

In this special edition of The SHE Word we PRIORITSE Women’s Pleasure and Orgasm and discuss all that both women AND men should know for women to achieve more pleasure, better orgasms and higher satisfaction.

In this first-of-its-kind, adult only open, insightful, empowering and informative episode, we answers all the questions women rarely ask:

* Why is female pleasure not often prioritised?

* What are our ‘essential assets’ and how do they all relate?

* What exactly is an Orgasm?

* Does the G-Spot really exist and if so, what is it?

* What is the A-Spot?

* What creates climax?

* The Erotic Blueprint - our pleasure languages

* How do we set the scene for maximum pleasure?

* What role do ‘toys’ play in our pleasure?

* Why Lube is every woman’s best friend

* What is available to help me with my libido?

* How can I heighten my pleasure?

* Where do I go for help to achieve more?

LOVE this show hosted by Trudy Kerr, with Gestalt Psychotherapist and Relationship and Sex Educator Nicola Falzon, Relationships and Sex Counsellor and Psychotherapist Anna Catania and much loved gynecologist Chiara Frendo Balzan as they talk through these essential topics with humour, passion and insight.

Be empowered for your pleasure.

Huge thanks to


* Macypharma Ltd for sharing life-changing Liberex with us (available from all pharmacies)

* Niumee for introducing us to the incredible ‘O-Shot’ (niumee.com)

* Hyatt Regency for hosting us and setting the scene for every woman’s sensory pleasure (https://www.instagram.com/hyattregencymalta)

* ToysFourPlay (toysfourplay.com) for sharing all the best toys and lubes with us

* AND Slinky & Co for dressing every woman to feel sexy in her lingerie, whatever her size and shape (https://slinkyandco.com)

We all know THAT person, don’t we? The one friend or family member who always seems to be positive and optimistic, even in the most challenging circumstances. Well, it might surprise you to know that only 10% of our attitude - positive or negative - is related to circumstance. Attitude and outlook is where our power lies, our mindset is what can take us to great heights, to enable us to overcome hurdles and manage the daily challenges in our lives, and enabling is to achieve is the aim of this episode of The SHE Word.

It is little surprise that we often default to a negative mindset, given that the powerful influences around us often drive us feel defeated. Even in everyday language, we as women are frequently faced with negative connotations; ‘Drama Queen’, ‘Throws like a girl’, ‘Women Drivers’. Or inferring that the dominant partner ‘wears the pants in a relationship’, telling someone to ‘Grow a pair’ - implying a weakness that’s tied to gender, or telling someone to ‘Man up’ - suggesting that it is the men that are the tough and strong gender. We may even use these terms ourselves without realising the connotations and the impact that they have.

Wherever we are in your life journey, NOW is a great time to take a look at what is influencing us, holding us back, blocking our potential or making us feel less than we are - and to gain a clear understanding of how we can shift the negative into the positive.

In this life-transforming show, host Trudy Kerr sits down to discuss with three experts to see how we can change our mindset. Clinical Psychologist Dr Rose Galea returns to The SHE Word to bring her powerful perspective to the conversation. Emma Hogg - psychotherapist, lifestyle strategist and the founder of the self-development agency, A Life I Choose, brings lived experience combined with professional expertise, and Mireille Pellegrini Petit shares her insight with a background in Clinical Psychology and a specialisation in Positive Psychology.

This show looks at why we might look at things with a negative perspective, the origins of why we often doubt ourselves or question our potential. The ladies discuss what might be blocking us from moving forward and how we can recognise negative habits in ourselves, and others. And this edition of The SHE Word offers practical, life transforming tips and guidance as to how each one of us can build positive patterns and pursue a life based on positivity, peace and success.

This show really is a must for every woman, of all ages.