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| The National Council of Women Annual General Meeting “Towards a regeneration for the Future” |
| NCW Malta Annual General Meeting 2021 was held at The Palace Hotel Sliema on Thursday 22 July 2021 In her opening address, outgoing NCW President, Mary Gaerty, called on the Assembly to join her in a prayer for past members of NCW, for those who lost their life due to the Covid-19 and for the women whose lives were taken away due to femicide, which saw an increase during Covid-19. |
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| Elimination of Violence against Women - 16 Days of Activism |
| Elimination of violence against women – 16 Days of Activism.
You too can do something about it!
The 25th of November is the kick off date for the annual international campaign of 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence. It starts on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs till the 10th of December, Human Rights Day . |
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| Human dignity should be respected at all times. |
| The National Council of Women would like to express its concern about the video posted online portraying men pelting a woman with eggs during a stag party. Human dignity should be respected at all times. As a society, we should condemn any type of abuse even if this is done by consent for financial gain. |
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| OSCE/ODIHR anti-trafficking survey for survivors of trafficking in human beings |
| The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has received numerous responses and has decided to extend the submission due date for the survey of survivors of human trafficking to Monday 26 August 2019. |
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| NEW TASK FORCE AT EUROPOL TO TARGET THE MOST DANGEROUS CRIMINAL GROUPS INVOLVED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING |
| On 2 July, the Joint Liaison Task Force Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings (JLT-MS) was launched at Europol. This new operational platform will allow liaison officers from all EU Member States to step up the fight against constantly adapting criminal networks. |
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| Malta is EU country with highest rate of tertiary education graduates in employment |
| A report in the Independent states that Malta stood above the EU average in 2018 when it came to the employment rate of graduates aged 20-34 who had attained a tertiary level education within the previous three years, |
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| European Commission |
| On 2 July 2019, Ursula von der Leyen was nominated by the European Council to the position of President of the European Commission; she will be the first women and the first German since Walter Hallstein |
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| Equal opportunities and access to the labour market |
| 1. Education, training and life-long learning
Everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning in order to maintain and acquire skills that enable them to participate fully in society and manage successfully transitions in the labour market.
2. Gender equality
Equality of treatment and opportunities between women and men must be ensured and fostered in all areas, including regarding participation in the labour market, terms and conditions of employment and career progression.
Women and men have the right to equal pay for work of equal value.
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| The gender pay gap in the EU and the European Pillar of #SocialRights |
| 1. The gender pay gap in the EU is 16.2%, that’s 16.2% higher than it should be! Gender equality is the second key principle of the European Pillar of #SocialRights for a reason
2. The European Pillar of #SocialRights supports the right to equal treatment and opportunities regarding employment, social protection, education, and access to goods and services available to the public. Something NCW Malta has supported since its creation! |
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| Gender Equality in the Media Sector |
| This study was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for
Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the Committee on
Women's Rights and Gender Equality. It examines key elements of the European
policy agenda pertaining to gender equality in the media sector. It also reviews
existing research on women's representation within media content and the media
workforce. The study provides analysis of actions to promote gender equality in
the media at both EU and Member State levels. Finally, it presents case studies
of gender equality in the media sector in four Member States: Austria, Malta,
Sweden, and the UK. |
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| Empowering women and girls in media and ICT |
| On the occasion of the International Women's Day, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender
Equality is holding an inter-parliamentary committee meeting on empowering women and girls in
media and ICT. The meeting, which will bring together EU institutional representatives, members of
EU national parliaments, experts and stakeholders, will take place on 08 March 2018.
The presentation and debates will deal with the topics of women shaping media, empowering women
and girls through digital inclusion and women’s movements and advancing equality in the digital age. |
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| Digital healthcare / health insurance |
| In the view of the EESC, given the digital revolution in the field of health, it is vital to maintain and promote a health insurance system which serves the needs of everyone, and is solidarity-based, inclusive and non-discriminatory. Inclusion and fair access for all to good quality health services (digital or otherwise) and commitment to these are in fact prerequisites for universal health coverage. |
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| Gender equality in European labour markets |
| In order to improve gender equality in labour markets, the EESC considers it necessary to draw up an integrated and ambitious European strategy to tackle systemic and structural obstacles and lead to adequate policies, measures and EU funding programmes for improving equality between women and men, thus fostering "more equal economic independence of women and men" . This would also contribute to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. |
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| Services to the family |
| Developing services in private homes in order to achieve a better work-life balance
Every family has a home and clothes to maintain, meals to prepare, children to care for, elderly parents or ill or disabled family members who need help. Women often have to work part-time in order to carry out these tasks, missing out on the career for which they have trained or on time they would use for training. |
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| Women and girls digital gender gap |
| This study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee, attempts to reveal the links between the different factors (access, skills, socio-economic and cultural), which prevent women from having equal access to digital technology. It then suggests ways of dealing with online and offline inequalities to the effect of closing the digital gender gap and improving women’s and girls’ digital inclusion and future technology-related career paths. |
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| Plastics, human health and environmental impacts: The road ahead |
| Plastics have been with us for more than a century, and by now they’re everywhere, for good and for ill. Plastic containers and coatings help keep food fresh, but they can also leave behind neurotoxins such as BPA in the human body. PVC is used for everything from pipes and flooring to furniture and clothes, but it contains compounds called phthalates that have been implicated in male reproductive disorders. Studies have also shown that childhood exposure to environmental pollutants can have significant negative effects later in life, including reduced labor force participation and even earnings. |
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| European Commission aims to significantly reduce the gender pay gap |
| The European Commission plans to use a series of measures aimed at significantly reducing the pay gap between men and women over the next five years. The average gender pay gap in the EU currently stands at 18%. To lower this rate, the Commission plans to raise awareness among employers, encourage initiatives to promote gender equality and support the development of tools to measure the gender pay gap. |
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| NCW Annual General Meeting 2019 |
| NCW Annual General Meeting 2019
The Annual General Meeting of the National Council of Women was held on Saturday 26th January 2019, at The Victoria Hotel, Sliema. President Mary Gaerty spoke about the work which the Council has embarked on during 2018. This included pensions, education, violence against women, work and entrepreneurship, work life balance and the challenges faced by women on a daily basis.
She also highlighted the fact that the National Council of Women is looking ahead at the constant changes |
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| Work-life Balance |
| Better work-life balance for EU citizens: Presidency reaches provisional agreement with the European Parliament |
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| The National Council of Women supports the Act to provide protection for human embryos |
| NCW has always advocated for legislation of alternative IVF treatment not least because of the sensitivity and the consequences for both parents and society if it had to remain unregulated. NCW believes that IVF treatment should be for heterosexuals within a stable family environment The Council has always supported the protection of embryos as the first cell of a human life and, with the development of alternative treatment over the past years this has become possible successfully. |
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| Women on Boards: Vice-President Viviane Reding meets with leaders of Europe's business schools and i |
| Today, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding met with European Industry Associations, European Business Schools and Senior Executive Women to discuss progress being made on improving the gender balance in company boardrooms.
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| UfM adopts new project to support women’s empowerment in the Mediterranean |
| A project aimed at developing women’s empowerment in the Mediterranean through the development of effective field projects and the setting up of networks and platforms, was adopted by Senior Officials of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) at a meeting held last month. |
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| Date: 23/01/2007 |
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News and Views January 2007 (Date: 01/01/2009)
NEWS AND VIEWS JANUARY 2007
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING JANUARY 2007
The Annual General Meeting of the National Council of Women was held on Saturday 28 January, at the Victoria Hotel, Sliema. Outgoing President Helga Ellul highlighted the Council’s work throughout the year with particular reference the Council’s initiatives to ensure the representation of women at national level in a wide range of areas. Doreen Micallef, the incoming president stated that the focal points of the next two years of her term of office are: continuing on the present work of the Council especially at the grassroot level; encouraging new and younger members to join and to see NCW as a means of voicing their needs as young workers/mums/etc, and to have a more active membership, i.e. to involve our members in more activities to the level they feel competent and have the time for.
The General Assembly also discussed and approved a number of resolutions, dealing with
The family and demographic change
Women and the decent work agenda
Equal rights to spouses’ pension entitlements
Promoting the concept of Entrepreneurship for women
Greater involvement of all legal, educational, mental health, medical and welfare professionals in the issue of violence against women
Addressing gender equality from men’s perspective
Pre Marriage/Partnership- Preparation Courses
Marriage Separations
Mental Health
Obesity
The General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution to bestow Honorary Presidency on Josephine Amato Gauci, first NCW President between 1964-1965 who also served as President for a second term between 1970 and 1971 in recognition of her commitment to the Council during the first years over 40 years ago.
The new Executive Committee Members for 2007 are President Doreen Micallef, Vice Presidents Helga Ellul, Grace Attard and Mercedes Schembri Wismayer, Hon. General Secretary Doris Bingley, Hon.Treasurer Monica Schranz, Members: Caroline Attard, Marie Demicoli, Jeanette Farrugia, Dr Roselyn Xerri, Mary Gaerty, Dr Louiselle Spiteri, Mary Rose Zahra, and Claudine Zarb, Legal Advisor
THE FIGHT AGAINST TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN GOES ON.......
'Strategies of prevention and the fight against trafficking in women for sexual exploitation' was the title of a workshop held in Budapest on the 16th December for the 10 new member states of the European Union.
The workshop was an EU project organised by the ENATW (The European Network Against Trafficking in Women for Sexual Exploitation) in collaboration with MONA (The Foundation for the Women of Hungary) and Associazione IRENE, an Italian organisation that is part of the network and that carries out research and is actively involved in work to assist trafficked women. Participants form Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Austria, Poland and Malta made presentations regarding developments in legislation and enforcement and current strategies of their respective countries. Malta was represented by Grace Attard and Renee Laviera.
Ms Zita Gurmai, Hungarian MEP and vice-president of the Women's Rights EU Parliamentary Committee spoke about the measures that are being proposed for 2007 to combat trafficking. More women, including those of a very young age are being lured to the myth that the western world offers opportunities of a better life out of poverty. In-depth research carried out in Poland, Hungary and Lithuania in particular, revealed shocking facts of this phenomenon of 'sex slavery' linked to transnational organised crime, with 60% of clients being married and 80% coming from unhappy marriages while another 25% are under the influence of alcohol
Improving legislation to include the criminalisation of buying sexual favours and heavy punishments for traffickers and clients have also been introduced
Associazione IRENE made a presentation of ENATW project on guidelines on The European Union Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. A number of recommendations were made including the need for common cross border policies and law enforcement. The Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men 2006-2010 which will come into force in January 2007 will also address this issue
NCW will keep an update of relevant information through its website ncwmalta@camline.net.mt
WOMEN IN DECISION MAKING
NCW congratulates the newly sworn-in magistrates, Doreen Clarke, Edwina Grima and Anthony Ellul. All three are young and this clearly indicates the importance being given to young people`s contribution to the judiciary. NCW is pleased to note the increasing number of very able women who have been appointed to senior posts in this field. May we soon be able to witness a similar increase in decision-making positions in other areas, in particular in the political and economic spheres.
FIFTH YEAR LAW STUDFENTS ADDRESS GENDER AND THE LAW
As part of the initiatives organized ton raise awareness of Domestic Violence, (25th November) the 5th Year Law students of the University of Malta, in collaboration with Amnesty International Malta organized a discussion based on their studies on Gender and the Law.
The students, represented by Dorianne Vella and Alicia Agius made a very stimulating presentation on the UN developments on the elimination of violence against women, EU legislation and programmes including DAPHNE and STOP, the Maltese Constitution dealing with anti-discrimination and the recently enacted Domestic Violence Act.
The discussion chaired by Dr Ruth Farrugia raised a number of legal, social and cultural issues that need to be addressed to eliminate violence in the home. Anna Cachia from Dar Merhba Bik (established over 20 years ago), spoke about the difficulties they come across, regarding the lack of financial and human resources and the multiple problems that women who seek help in this home bring with them – they are at the lowest level of existence ‘non-persons’ as Anna so aptly put it. Representatives of the Domestic Violence Unit and Dar Qalb ta’Gesu’ spoke about the services they offer, as well as the services including rehabilitation programmes for men, offered by Appogg. Unfortunately very few men make use of these services.
Representatives of the Domestic Violence Commission who are doing excellent work, spoke about their experience and highlighted the need for members of the Police Force with whom victims come in contact to be trained and sensistized to be able to carry out their duties according to the law. Other issues involved the psychological impact on women who require time to regain confidence and be empowered to take charge of their life and seek and retain employment.
NCW has been working on this issue for over two decades. Today part of the Council’s work includes talks and basic skills courses for women, in particular women who are in difficult relationships and who want to enter the labour market. The Council’s representative focused on prevention measures including education at primary, secondary and tertiary level, through the PSD sessions in particular and the need to address violence in the media that is encouraging a culture of violence reflected also in the behaviour of young people. The importance of a structured approach to early detection of domestic violence as a commitment by government was also highlighted. Professionals working in health services including emergency unit in hospital, maternity services, health care centres and the GP can all be in a position to reduce both the incidence and the gravity of domestic violence.
National Action Plans on employment need to address issues of low/non skilled workers who have experienced domestic violence as they are very vulnerable and the workplace can be very intimidating at this stage. A representative of the National Commission for Gender Equality (NCPE) spoke about the gender mainstreaming exercise in the public service and initiatives to ensure gender equality at the workplace which is the main thrust of the Commission’s remit. Gender Equality must not be perceived as a power struggle, rather the concept of ‘partnership’ as a positive element should be highlighted
Amnesty International Malta spoke about traditional cultural elements that go against human rights and their influence on the Maltese society. Human Rights activists coming from other countries also spoke about their experiences in situations where culture and religion are severe obstacles to gender equality. The representative of the Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCOW) spoke about the work they are carrying out as members of the EWL to monitor developments as part of the EU Domestic Violence Observatory.
The law students themselves gave a very valid contribution through their perception and experience as young men and women. NCW would like to congratulate them for their involvement. To conclude Dr Ruth Farrugia stated that each one of us must work to eliminate domestic violence and not wait for others to take the lead.
NEWS FROM THE EESC
The Plenary of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held on Wednesday and Thursday 17th, 18th January was an event to remember for Bulgaria qnd Romania as their representatives were officially installed as members of the EESC with the reading of the Council´s decision followed by the solemn roll call of the 12 and 15 members respectively.
Present also on this occasion was Mr Olli Rehn, member of the Commission responsible for Enlargement, who after welcoming the new members, outlined the state of the current candidate countries for EU membership and highlighted strategies for future enlargement.
The main opinions adopted during this session were: Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities; Taking stock of the Realites of Europeqn Society; Impact and Consequences of Structural Policies on EU Cohesion; Review of the Single Market and Promoting Decent Work for All. An amendment submitted by EESC member Grace Attard regarding safeguards for women in new forms of work was adopted at the plenary after a compromise was reached.
The activities of the EESC under the German Presidency will be concentrating on Communicating Europe; the Renewed Lisbon Strategy; Employment and Social Policy; the EU in the World and Review of the Single Market. The five Maltese EESC members are currently working on organising a public hearing in Malta later on this year to address local needs concerning better regulation, Malta´s peripheral position and the Euro Changeover among others.
More infomation can be viewed on. http://www.eesc.europa.eu
NCW WELCOMES THE NEWLY ORDAINED ARCHBISHOP OF MALTA
The National Council of Women wish to join the rest of the Maltese in sending our best wishes to the newly ordained Archbishop H.E. Mons Paul Cremona. Many of NCW members, including our sons and daughters and relatives are familiar with the work Mons Cremona has been carrying out, in particular in the Nazzarenu Parish.
We are aware of the attention the Archbishop gives to the needs of individuals, more especially in times when we are witnessing fast changes that can negatively impact on the values of our society. NCW offers the support and collaboration of its members, whenever the need arises, for the benefit of society.
LEJLA LETTERARJA MALTIJA
A “Lejla Letterarja Maltija” was held at NCW Centre on Friday 19th January, works included poems by Ms Imelda Serracino Inglott and Mr. Joe Saliba (a Maltese Australian), an essay by Ms Lina Brockdorff and an novel by Ms Catherine C. Muscat. The narrators were Mr. George Cassola and Ms Ninette Micallef. A variety of Maltese food and wine, which blended with the Maltese literature, was enjoyed by all.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
The popular Foundation Day Dinner will be held on Friday 16th February 2007. Kindly keep the date free. Further details will be announced later.
A new intake for Computer Classes, morning or evening sessions, will take place in May, those wishing to attend the Awareness, ECDL Start, ECDL Upgrade, kindly phone the office on 21248881/21246982 or email ncwmalta@camline.net.mt
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