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