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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: 24/06/2007 |
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24 June 2007 (Date: 24/06/2007)
NEWS AND VIEWS SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2007
DELEGATION OF THE EU PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS VISITS MALTA
In the framework of its activities, a delegation composed of Anna Zaborska (Chairperson), European People’s Party Christian Democrats and European Democrats (PPE-DE), Astrid Lulling, PPE-DE, Christa Prets, Party of European Socialists, (PSE) and Anna Hedh, PSE visited Malta on the 7 and 8 May 2007
The objective of the visit was to assess the implementation of the acquis with regards to equal treatment for men and women in particular in the areas of employment, reconciliation between professional, family and private lives, social security, empowerment, domestic violence and the integration of migrant women and trafficking of women for sexual exploitation.
The delegation met Government and members of Parliament as well as representatives of the local authorities, of the Public Service and the Maltese Civil Society. The meetings were held at NCW Centre in Blata l-Bajda with representatives from 20 NGOs active in the field of Women’s Rights, Health, Domestic Violence, Education and Immigration.
A number of issues were raised including the empowerment of women especially the need for a cultural change. Other issues raised were: the implementation of Parental Leave, Working Time and Self-Employed Directives, the need to reinforce childcare facilities to help women re-enter the workforce and services at the workplace to enable women to breastfeed and sex education in schools
The positive impact of the Gender Equality Act and the Domestic Violence Act were also discussed, however the need for more efforts to empower women and to ensure socio-economic independence were also expressed. The members also expressed the need to share good practices with other EU member states to ensure gender equality policies and measures in a wider range of sectors and at all levels.
The delegation also met women mayors, representatives of National Commissions, Parliamentary Committee for Social Affairs, Hon C. Mifsud Bonnici, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs, Hon H. D’Amato, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, the Elderly and Community Care and Hon D. Cristina, Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity.
The delegation thanked NCW for the services of its Centre to hold their meetings with Civil Society during their visit to Malta
GENDER EQUALITY ACTION PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT
NCW is pleased to note that at the launching of the ETC Gender Equality Action Plan 2007-2008, the Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity and ETC have taken up a number of proposals regarding family-friendly measures and the extension of childcare services, that our Council has been making for the past years through resolutions that are discussed and approved during our successive AGMs and through our Budget proposals 2005, 2006 and 2007, recommending among others:
(quote)
• the provision of public-private partnership of childcare facilities that are accessible and affordable
• home-based child minding
• after school pre-adolescent care: A number of mothers are unable to enter the labour market or retain their job or opt for part-time work because of the lack of accessible childcare facilities for older children. Parents are often constrained to leave children between 5 and 14 at home on their own after school hours and during holidays.
• the implementation of after school programmes on the school premises providing a holistic and creative learning environment for this age group
• the provision of extra-curricular activities in a number of areas including drama and sports among others, including assistance with homework and new methods to foster a love for reading, creative writing and
• developing creativity of children in areas including art, music and thinking skills among others (end quote)
The standards for childcare facilities, dealing with aspects, such as the holistic development of the child, safety measures and professional training of staff, that have been meticulously set up according to EU standards, after wide consultation with all stakeholders, are now in force. This should give assurance and confidence to parents, who so far, have not been making use of these facilities.
NCW looks forward to the next step - a National Gender Equality Action Plan - covering a number of areas other than family-friendly measures related to employment including equal representation in political leadership, the judiciary, economic decision-making, science and technology, as stated in the EU Commission’s Roadmap for Gender Equality 2006-2010
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
The Role of Women in Industry was the topic discussed at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday 5 June at a Public Hearing organised by the EU Parliamentary Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in cooperation with the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
In her presentation 'The Reconstitution of the Industrial sector and the Implications for Women', Ms Clementina Marques Cardoso, Research Fellow, Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, focused on three factors: women’s general position in employment, the current reconstruction of the industrial sector and the rise of female migration. Highlights of the presentation included the precarious nature of jobs in the industrial sector, difficulty in accessing childcare services and health and safety related to work. The study dealt with the food and beverages sector (30% of the labour force), where the use of chemicals is predominant and therefore the need of impact assessments of the quality of the jobs and disease related to work is urgent.
Dr Willy Buschak, Deputy Director , European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (EUROFOUND) presented a study on 'The Role of Women in Industry' highlighting segregation, both vertical and horizontal, the restructuring in industrial sectors with high female employment: commerce, financial services, health and social services and gender equality in Industrial Relations: actions taken by social partners.
Ms Silvia-Adriana Ticau, Member of the European Parliament, speaker on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, spoke about the Union's industrial, research and energy policies and presented a study of women's representation in education, research, industry and entrepreneurship in the EU-25 (2006)
Other presentations were made by Ms Catelene Passchier, Secretary, European Trade Unions Confederation (ETUC) and Ms Jeanne Schmitt, Senior adviser in charge of industrial relations and equal opportunities, BusinessEurope (ex-UNICE)
Interventions were also made by Council Presidency Representative for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and the Family (Germany); Commission’s Representative, Director for Equality between Women and Men; European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Maltese representative, Grace Attard and European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Director, Mr Jukka Takala
Copies of the documents can be obtained from NCW Centre at Blata l-Bajda on request.
The following sites can also be accessed for further information
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu,
http://www.adrianaticau.eu
http://ec.eu/employment_social/social_ dialogue/docs/ir_report06_summary_en
NCW DEPLORES FAILURE TO NOMINATE JUDGE TO ECHR
NCW deplores the failure of the Maltese Government to nominate a female candidate to the post of Judge on the European Court of Human Rights shows a persistent denial that traditional gender traits can be broken and that our country should move forward in all aspects of gender equality.
By refusing to put forward a female candidate, Malta is also risking having its list rejected by the Council of Europe because it is failing to comply with the requirement to nominate a woman candidate.
It is hard to believe that, among all the female lawyers, judges and magistrates, there is not even one person who is suitable to be a candidate. The minimum legal requirements of 12 years experience should not be used as an excuse as this is clearly not a requirement by the European Court.
The National Council of Women has, for many years, supported the promotion of women in decision-making posts. In the Council's continued commitment to attain gender equality on our islands, NCW has presented resolutions in 2003 and 2007 to Government dealing specifically with this regard.
The annual seminar presented in November 2006 and a recent survey commissioned by the Council, sponsored by UNESCO and carried out by NSO/NCW, which revealed the obstacles women face in attaining decision-making posts, are also evidence of the Council’s continued commitment.
SCHOOLGIRL MOTHERS
NCW is deeply concerned with the number of teenage mothers (under 16) who, according to the information given in reply to a parliamentary question have given birth to 68 babies in the first three months of 2007
Teenage pregnancies and births can have serious physical and emotional consequences both for the mother and for the child. Besides, adjusting to parenthood at such an early age and at the same time trying to live the life of an adolescent without renouncing on studies in preparation for their future is very difficult. Issues concerning the responsibilities of the father of the child are also often complicated
NCW believes that there is the need for more effective values-based sex education programmes in schools to help young people develop skills that challenge the media and Internet messages, that are portraying sex in a distorted manner, completely excluding responsible behaviour.
NCW calls on the Commissioner for Children to give priority to the issues that our young people are facing in their daily life, to ensure that they can make mature and responsible choices in these and other emotionally laden situations
FELLOWSHIP AWARD TO DR MARY DARMANIN
NCW congratulates Dr Mary Darmanin, lecturer at the Department of Educational Studies, University of Malta, who has been awarded the prestigious Marie Curie Transfer of Knowledge Fellowship at the Equality Studies Centre, University College, Dublin School of Social Justice. Through her expertise in education and equality, Dr Darmanin has made a unique contribution to society in Malta and internationally.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
THE FAMILY IN SITUATIOS OF SEPARATION
The Social Issues Committee within the NCW will be organising another talk on Thursday 6th July at 6.00pm at NCW premises. The talk which will be about issues relating to the different members of the family in cases of separation, will be delivered by Ms Roberta Zahra DeDomenico, a clinical psychologist who has been working for quite a few years with families who has been going through separation. She will be discussing ways in which one can help oneself and the children through this difficult time.
SHORT SUMMER ENGLISH COURSE
The National Council of Women in conjunction with the Adult Education Section of the Education Division is once again organizing a short summer English Course for those Adults who dropped out early in their education or those who would like to improve their English. Classes are held once a week at the National Council of Women Centre at Blata l-Bajda on a Wednesday starting the 4th July 2007
BASIC MALTESE COURSE
NCW in conjunction with Adult Education is organizing a short summer course for those Adults that would like to improve their Maltese. Classes are held once a week during the mornings at the National Council of Women Centre at Blata l-Bajda. The course will start on Thursday 5th July from 9.00 to 12.00
LEJLA LETTERARJA MALTIJA
The Education Committee is organizing the Lejla Letteraja Maltija at the Café Deux Baronnes with the splendid view of the Grand Harbour next to the Upper Barrakka Valletta on Friday 27th July 2007 at 19.00hrs. Those that have submitted their works kindly contact the office. Members and friends are invited. Price Lm2.50 which includes a light supper
Summer Bar-B-Q at the Paradise Bay Resort Cirkewwa
The National Council of Women is organising the traditional SUMMER B-B-Q for members and friends on Friday 20 July at 8.00pm for 8.30pm at the Paradise Bay Resort, Cirkewwa. Price Lm6.00 adults and LM3.00 children. Transport will be available on request. Booking is on first come basis. Kindly book by Wednesday 18th July by phoning the National Council of Women office hours (morning) on 21248881/21246982 or email: ncwmalta@camline.net.mt
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