NCW AGM 2010 highlights healthcare reform and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups

^{The Annual General Meeting of the National Council of Women was held on Saturday 30 January, at the Victoria Hotel, Sliema. President Grace Attard highlighted the need for  proactive policies for the short and long term, in the Council's commitment to identify and address future situations. 'The year 2009 has been a time of unprecedented circumstances, not least by the current global economic, financial and social crisis and the negative impact on women in particular in employment and on gender equality policies in general. However,' the crisis can offer new opportunities for Member States to evaluate their current policies and from the lessons learnt during this difficult time realise the value of strengthening the gender perspective in all fields of policy.'}

^{In line with Government Policy on the reform of Public Health , the resolutions submitted for approval concentrated on public health measures  and on areas that require particular attention in the case of vulnerable groups reflecting the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010}

^{The year 2010 represents an important step for the future of gender policies because it marks the end of the actions promoted by the "Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men 2006-2010" and the review for post 2010. The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, 1979), is under review as we commemorate its 30th  anniversary, the 1995 UN Beijing Platform for Action and its 12 critical areas of concern,  again under review as we commemorate its 15th  anniversary (Beijing 15), the 2000 UN Millennium Development Goals 10th anniversary  and the commitments recently taken by Governments at the 98th session of the International Labour Conference ILO  (2009).}

^{Grace Attard thanked the members of the various committees and the representatives of the affiliated organizations, who more than ever, have been very dynamic and augured that working closely together will remain a priority in the forthcoming months.
In conclusion she stated that there is the need to work towards further developing a European and global perspective. 'There is no longer room for isolation - we have to become European and global in our thinking, our attitudes, policy formulation and more so in practice if we want NCW to be truly engaged and effective in its mission for the benefit of society'}

^{The General Assembly also discussed and approved a number of resolutions, dealing with
1. The Right Prosthesis for Breast Cancer - Action for Breast Cancer Foundation
2. Health promotion/prevention by family health nurse/midwife in the community MUMN
3. Consumer driven health services MUMN
4. A National Sexual Health Policy
5. Cancer Screening
6. Extension of Maternity Leave
7. Subsidy or tax refund  to those women opting to uptake private medical care such as breast care or cervical screening MUMN
8. Legal Aid
9. Vulnerable Refugees
10. SEC – MATSEC Children with Learning difficulties
11. Regulations re energy friendly buildings}

^{The Assembly also approved declarations on
European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010
European Year for Volunteering 2011
Action Plan on Domestic Violence}

^{The assembly unanimously approved bestowing Honorary Life Membership on Dr Joanna Drake 'for her outstanding contribution to Maltese society, through her efforts in promoting Malta’s entry into the European Union and her continued valuable work in European Union representation and administration'.}

^{The  Executive Committee Members for 2010 are President Grace Attard, Vice Presidents: Doreen Micallef, Mary Gaerty, Nadya Ann Mangion, Hon. General Secretary Doris Bingley, Hon. Treasurer Therese Cassola, Members: Maria Camilleri, Helga Ellul, Jean Killick, Dr Mariosa Vella Cardona, Dr Mercedes Schembri Wismayer, Ruth Falzon, Maud Muscat, M’Rose Zahra and Dr Claudine Zarb, NCW Legal Advisor}

^{Violence in the Home – What action?}

^{The National Council of Women is deeply concerned with the increase of aggressive incidents of violence often resulting in brutal deaths as a result of domestic problems often related to situations of separation between couples, reported regularly in the local media}

^{While initiatives are being taken to help victims of violence – women, children and relatives - to re-integrate in society, the Council believes that there is much to be done regarding prevention measures. The Council urgently calls for a multidisciplinary prevention plan, bringing together different professionals to deal with issues of communication, crisis management, emotional violence with support structures for all members of the family.}

^{NCW reiterates its call for a national early detection interministerial policy including education, health and social professionals to identify signs of violence in the home in the very early stages, and with better co-operation from the police. Malta is also in dire need of an ongoing national information campaign for potential victims and aggressors on how and where to seek professional help}

^{Raising awareness of domestic violence is not a one day event some time in November; it needs to be addressed from one day to another and not be left it hidden for the rest of the year (taht it-tapit)!}

Computer Courses held at the National Council of Women CTLC

Successful students at the Presentation of Certificates Ceremony of NCW Courses at NCW Centre. The Prsentation of Certificates in English level 4/5 and cerificate of attendance for all participants that have completed a course in Maltese, Computer Awareness, ECDL START and ECDL UPGRADE was held at the National Council of Women Centre on Friday 11th December 2009. These initiatives are in line with the National Council of Women's aim to improve the quality of life through lifelong learning.  (see Photo Gallery)

 ^{BMV Music Competition}

^{.Violinist Justin Zarb and pianist Bettina Cassar were the two lucky students who last Saturday placed first and second in the finals of the music competition organised by the National Council of Women.  Named after Bice Mizzi-Vassallo, a renowned pianist and music teacher, as well as the wife of one of Malta’s Prime Ministers, the Council has been holding this competition uninterruptedly every two years since 1987.  Zarb can choose between a summer course at the Lake District and a summer course at the Academy of Music in Vienna.  Cassar will get the other option. The third-prize winner was Maria Elena Farrugia who received of a season ticket for concerts organised by the Manoel Theatre Management Committee and a book and CD token worth €100.  The other two performers were given IPods that were kindly donated by ICentre.}

^{In her introductory address Corinne Bowman chairperson of the BMV Music Competition  thanked the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts that was the principal sponsor of the Competition, as well as Malta International Airport that made available the masterclass in Vienna besides sponsoring the visit of two judges from Vienna who joined the local team for the finals.  Other sponsors included the Teatru Manoel, Veritas Press and Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.  The adjudicating panel was chaired by Cynthia Turner and consisted of Sarah Spiteri, Martina Caruana from the Maltese side and Benno Schollum and Eleanor Hope from Vienna..}