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Day: 8 March 2022

Women business leaders on the rise, slowly

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/03/2022

The latest report published by IMSEE, Monaco’s statistical agency, has revealed that of the nearly 13,000 active people on boards and in decision-making positions in Monaco, nearly a third are women. It’s a slow but steady rise.

International Women’s Day on 8th March seems an appropriate time to speak about women in top business roles, and IMSEE has done just that.

Its latest Focus report shows that 3,621 women, equalling 27.9%, were running the show in their companies at the end of 2021. Though men clearly still dominate in this realm, women are making steady progress and are up a modest +0.4 on the previous year. 

In the Principality, nearly half of the active entities in the Trade and Industry Register are a limited liability company, or SARL, and it is the most common legal form. More than half the people running businesses in Monaco hold this status.

Women are best represented as “sole traders”, with almost one in three people registered with this status being a woman. The women in limited liability companies in 2021 was 29.1% of the total, notable because it is higher than the proportion of women in the overall population. Though a solid figure, it is down almost one point compared to 2013.

Conversely, women represent 22.3% of people sitting on a public limited company (SAM) in 2021, compared to 20.5% in 2013.

Women started 289 new companies in 2021, 28.6% of the total of 999. 106 are in scientific and technical activities, the sector that saw the greatest formations of new companies last year. They were also highly represented in the retail trade sector where one in two was female.

Of the 12,983 people who run the Principality’s economic entities, the French are the most represented at over 30%, with 26.3% of those being women. The Italians are next up with just under 3,000 total, of which 23.8% are women. The Monegasques come in third overall, with 2,000 business owners holding this nationality, but it is here that women have the biggest percentage. A full 34.8% of business owners are women from Monaco.

 Women and men in these positions tend to be roughly the same age, 52.7 for men on average and a year younger for women, but the median age is identical for men and women.

Of those running businesses in the Principality, nearly 70% of the women live within the borders, compared to 63.3% overall. For those outside Monaco, most reside in the Alpes-Maritimes, excluding the neighbouring towns of Beausoleil, Cap d’Ail, La Turbie and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Including the neighbouring municipalities, that brings the number up to 75% for women.

The industry most represented by women is public admin, education, human health and social work activities, where women hold 39.8% of the share. Close behind is retail trade at 38.5% of the overall. They are least represented in the financial and insurance sector, where only 18.7% are made up of women.

 

 

 

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash 

 

 

 

 

Latest information: How to help Ukrainian refugees

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/03/2022

The Monaco Red Cross and some private individuals are still putting out calls for urgently needed supplies to be sent to the refugees of Ukraine. Here’s how you can help and what is needed now.

As the conflict in Ukraine drags out and intensifies, more and more people, 1.5 million so far, are being forced to flee their homes. A large number of those crossing borders into Poland, which is currently hosting the lion’s share, as well as Hungary, Slovakia and other points across Europe, are women and children. Some travel by car, bus or train, others have been forced to walk. It is truly a dire situation, made worse by cold winter temperatures.

There are ways to help those in this trying time get food, clothing and other essentials through organised efforts made here in the Principality.

As ever, the Monaco Red Cross is on the case, and has raised €250,000, including an €80,000 donation made by the organisation itself. The funds raised have been given to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) to be allocated. The ICRC has been given €150,000 toward emergency relief and the remaining €100,000 went to the IFRC to help refugees.

Additionally, the Monaco Red ross has offered shelter to four families in the Principality who were able to flee the fighting.

To make a donation, please visit the Monaco Red Cross website at www.croix-rouge.mc/faire-un-don/

In addition to the efforts made by the Red Cross, four residents, Gabriella Vogogna, Marcella Kern, and Ian and Ewa Petts, have already sent a truckload of supplies to refugees and are filling up a second.

They are asking for things such as winter clothing, shoes, pillows, blankets, food, toiletries, medicine and anything that may be useful or practical to be brought to the Millefiori building on Rue des Genêts and left with the concierge. The 20m3 truck will depart on 14th March.

The items will be sent to the Polish city of Stalowa Wola where local counsellor Renata Butrym will receive them and distribute them to the refugees. Ms Butrym works for Polish MP Marek Rzasa, who greets the people streaming across the border into the city of Przemsyl.

Much of what is collected will go to those who have made it into Poland, but some will find its way back in Ukraine, where food and medical items are in short supply.

Meanwhile, the Pharmacie de Soleil on Boulevard de la République in Beausoleil is collecting money donations which they will then transfer to medical supplies to be transported to Ukraine.

People are also encouraged to donate mattresses if possible. They can be collected by phoning Zhanna on 0640619755.

Saint Paul’s Church on Avenue Grand Bretagne is still collecting items between the hours of 10am and 4pm ahead of a Friday departure and is asking specifically for baby items such as bottles, formula and nappies.

 

 

 

Photo of the first collection of goods sent to Poland, organised by Gabriella Vogogna, Marcella Kern, and Ian and Ewa Petts

 

 

 

Lions Club gala returns with auction of sculptures

by: Luke Entwistle
08/03/2022

The works of local artist Marcos Marin, including sculptures of Josephine Baker, Princess Grace, Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra, will be auctioned at the Lions Club gala in April, the funds contributing to the group’s humanitarian work.

It was announced in a press conference on Monday that the Brazilian artist, who is known for his optical works, will be auctioning off four of his sculptures in order to raise funds for the Lions Club.

The Lions Club is a humanitarian group that is engaged in helping deprived people both in the local region and globally. The club, which consists of 38 members, is this year celebrating its 60th year, having been founded in 1961.

After last year’s postponement due to pandemic restrictions, the gala will return to its usual slot this year on 2nd April and will take place under the patronage of Prince Albert II.

Although the gala, which is important for raising funds for the club’s humanitarian activities, was postponed last year, it didn’t prevent them from doing work on the ground. Notably, they raised funds to donate a dump-truck to the local town of Tende after they were devastated by the storm.

In the aftermath of the explosion that shook the Lebanese capital of Beirut, they also donated digital tablets to school children for them to continue their studies.

While the gala at the Salle Belle Epoque in the Hermitage Hotel in Monte-Carlo is almost sold out, it is still possible for the public to participate in the auctioning of Marin’s works over phone.

People will also be able to see the Aston Martin DB11 from James Bond that will be on display, as well as all of Marin’s works that are up for auction.

 

 

 

How do I talk to my children about the war in Ukraine?

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/03/2022

After years of disruption and fear brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, war has now broken out in Ukraine and is making the news all day, every day. For most kids, this will be their first experience with war and the media surrounding it. Clinical psychologist and children’s author Dr. Regine Muradian has this advice for parents.

Monaco Life: How much should we be telling our kids about the war?

Dr. Regine Muradian: Kids nowadays have access to so much information, so they probably know more than we think. Even if they are not bringing up the topic, they most surely have heard it at school or from a teacher. Asking them directly what they have heard, or how they feel is a good way to broach the conversation.  As a parent or caregiver, you want to first see how much they are already aware of and then take it from there.

Is it ok to feel that they need to be protected/shielded from it?

Kids need to feel safe and that’s where we come in as parents, reassuring them that we are here. We can’t completely shield them from the information as most likely they will hear about it. I would recommend avoiding having the news on in the home when kids are around as the images can be very traumatic.

The conversations we have with children under five will obviously be different than the ones we have with school age kids or adolescents. How do we tackle this?

Kids under five may certainly have questions but may not know how to express them. Sitting down with your child and using drawings as a way for them to express their emotions and feelings can be very helpful. Children are smart and can pick up on our energy, tone, and mood. Talking openly and ensuring they feel their questions have been answered is an important role modeling opportunity. For school age children and teens, they can look up the information and see a lot of content. As a parent, listening and validating their feelings is a good way to help them express their emotions and answer their questions. Allowing a safe talking space can help them and decrease any insecurities or fears they may be experiencing.

What kind of things should we be asking them?

Most likely your child by now has heard of what is occurring or they are noticing donation stations. This may elicit a lot of questions such as “What is that for?”, “What is happening in that country?”, “Will it happen here?”, and “Are we safe?”. Being honest as a parent and reassuring them that they are safe, and you are there as a parent, is the most helpful.

What do we say when we don’t know the answer?

As a parent, we don’t always have all the answers and it is okay to say you don’t know or are not sure about something.

Do you think this will add to the kids/teenager’s feelings of vulnerability, considering everything that has happened these past two years? And how can we help them overcome that?

Certainly, these past two years have been challenging, it was a time of uncertainty, and to now have a war breakout keeps the cycle of fear. As a parent, don’t wait to bring up the topic as most likely they have already seen or heard it from social media platforms and at school from friends. You can help them overcome feelings of vulnerability by starting the conversation and talking through their insecurities and fears. You can ask questions such as, “How are you feeling? Are you scared?”. Make sure that you are monitoring their sleep. Are they sleeping more or less than they used to? How are they eating? Have you noticed any changes in their eating patterns?

What other signs of concern should we be looking for in their behavior that could signal they are having trouble with grappling the issue?

In addition to keeping an eye on their eating and sleeping habits, some signs to look out for are stomachaches, feelings of tension, refusing to go to school, feeling withdrawn and not doing activities they used to enjoy.

How important is it to use age-appropriate language and depth for topics such as this, and why?

With the younger ones, communicating via drawings and pictures can be a good way to have them express their feelings. For the older ones, using open-ended questions can help them express their emotions around any topic in general.

Should we be watching or talking about the war in front of certain age groups of kids?

Refraining from watching the news in front of our kids is best as kids are constantly watching our behaviors. If we are feeling scared or anxious, they will as well. This doesn’t mean you should refrain from expressing emotion as an adult, but be mindful that kids tend to emulate parent behaviors. We can express how we feel in a healthy way such as saying, “Yes, it is scary what is happening but we are safe and we are here to support eachother”. We can practice compassion, kindness, and helping in our own way, encouraging them to write a letter or donate a toy, however one can help.

 

 

Dr. Regine Muradian, a former Monaco resident and regular visitor to the Principality, is a licensed clinical psychologist, children’s author, speaker, consultant and mental health advocate. In her clinical practice, Dr. Muradian works with children, adolescents, and adults who present with a wide range of emotional stressors. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are her own, and not necessarily those of Monaco Life.

 

 

 

Monaco voices solidarity with Ukraine at special UN meeting

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/03/2022

Monaco’s Permanent Representative for Monaco to the United Nations spoke out at an emergency session held by the Security Council, condemning the aggressive acts of the Russians on Ukrainian soil, as per the sentiment of the Monegasque government.

As the fighting enters its second week in Ukraine, the world is reacting in shock and horror, and countries are banding together to call out the Russian president for his deplorable acts of violence against a sovereign nation.

In a special emergency session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York City and convened by the UN Security Council, member states adopted a resolution, called ‘Aggression against Ukraine’. The document strongly protests the current situation and “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression committed by the Russian Federation against Ukraine” and thus “demands that the Russian Federation immediately cease using force against Ukraine”.

The resolution was adopted overwhelmingly by those present, with 141 in accord. Only five voted against.

The meeting was held 28th February to 2nd March and was the first such emergency session to be held in four decades on a matter concerning international security and peace.

Monaco’s Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations Isabelle Picco was present at the meeting, and following the doctrines set out by the Principality, stated Monaco’s respect for international law and the UN Charter, as well as underlining the need to settle the dispute by peaceful means.

She went on to say that she “regretted” the violation of the Olympic truce by the Russians and expressed her sadness over the repercussions inflicted on the civilian population as a result of Russia’s actions.

In addition to the Security Council meeting, there was also a debate held on 3rd and 4th of March by the UN Human Rights Council which ended in another resolution, co-sponsored by Monaco, being drafted and approved. The goal of this resolution is to set up an International Commission of Inquiry into the Ukrainian situation. It will be responsible for conducting investigations, collecting and safeguarding testimonies and evidence of human rights violations by witnesses.

Carole Lanteri, Monaco’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.

In practice, this means the protection of civilian populations and infrastructure, schools and hospitals, notably. On behalf of the Principality, she urged the two sides to resume dialogue to find a peaceful end to the conflict.

So far, this seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as the weekend’s fighting took a vicious turn, with scenes of patients being escorted from hospitals to safer havens, including children with cancer in dire need of continuous treatment and orphans, many with disabilities, being forced to flee. 

 

 

 

Photo of the UN Security Council by Johannes EISELE / AFP

 

 

 

 

GP works enter next stage

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/03/2022

The next phase of preparatory works for the Monaco Grand Prix are underway with infrastructure installations at the port.

Once again this year, the Monaco e-Prix, the Monaco Historic Grand Prix and the Monaco F1 Grand Prix will take place back to back from 30th April until 29th May, so works have begun in earnest.

After preparing and resurfacing the roads for the street circuit, installations have now begun in the port area and will continue in the Monte-Carlo district on 20th March.

The usual minor traffic disruptions and parking bans are expected, while the MonaBike station at Place Sainte-Dévote will be moved to Promenade Honoré II from 21st March, and that of the Parking des Pécheurs will be closed temporarily from 21st May. The relocation of the Place d’Armes station near the Rond-Point du Canton is scheduled for the same period in May.

Users of Public Car Parks as well as those of the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) and Azur lines will be kept informed of the measures introduced at each phase of the works.

 

 

Photo: Direction de la Communication-Michael Alesi