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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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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,
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Work-life Balance
Better work-life balance for EU citizens: Presidency reaches provisional agreement with the European Parliament
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.
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.
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.
Date: 25/02/2007
 
25 February 2007 (Date: 25/02/2007)

NEWS AND VIEWS SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2007

NCW FOUNDATION DAY DINNER

The traditional NCW Foundation Day celebration held on Friday 23 February was another popular event in the Council’s calendar. Members and guests met at the Corinthia Old Villa Balzan for dinner. Guests of honour, Mrs Josephine Amato Gauci, first President of National Council of Women in 1964 attended the occasion, which serves to recall the history of the birth of the Council and to pay tribute to all past members who have contributed to the advancement of women during the past 43 years.

In her address, President Doreen Micallef, thanked the members for their commitment and hard work all on voluntary basis. She stressed the importance of being proactive, of adapting to the changing needs of society. It is up to us women, now to grasp all the opportunities available for growth and development. She asked members to involve themselves in the Council’s activities and participate in the various committees and programmes, to the level they feel competent and have time for.

On this memorable occasion, Mrs Josephine Amato Gauci was awarded Honorary Presidency “for her commitment during the early years of the Council, as one of the Founder Members and its first President, a time when the lack of legislation and awareness of the need for cultural change were great obstacles in addressing women’s issues and gender equality”

Mrs Amato Gauci warmly thanked the Council and expressed her conviction that NCW will continue with its achievements. She recalled the work done in the beginning of this important organization and the dedication of the women involved.
Present at this function were The Noble Bice Testaferrata Moroni Viani, Honorary President Jane Spiteri and Dame Blanche Martin who together with Josephine Amato Gauci contributed to the success of NCW’s early years.It was noted that the Council is always moving with the times attracting young women and using their talents for the benefit of society.


MEN AND GENDER EQUALITY IN EUROPE

Over 200 people participated in a Conference on “Men and Gender Equality in Europe” organized by the European Movement International (EMI) held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels on the 25 January 2007

In his introduction, Pat Cox, President of EMI stated that gender equality is central to the achievement of the European Union goals. The concept of gender equality is no longer being seen as an isolated women’s issue but in a more inclusive perspective that recognizes the role of men as driving force towards gender equality.

Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Vladimir Spidla emphasized the commitment of the EU towards the promotion of equal opportunities. He referred to the Roadmap for Equality between women and men 2006-200 which reflects the EU goals for the achievement of full equality as a fundamental value of the Treaty of the Constitution. EESC, SOC President, Brenda King spoke about gender equality in professional and political life in Europe and the risk of poverty among women in the EU.

Panel presentations of studies carried out included ‘Work, Public Life and the Family – Women and Men in five European Contexts; ‘Adoption of Working Hours Laws’; Gender Equality and the Role of Men; ‘Rethinking the Role of Women and Men in society ; ‘Mass media and the redistribution of power’; Gender Policies and Actions in the EU programmes 2007-2013’; ‘Equal Distribution of Care Tasks and Support for Reconciliation between Private life and Professional and Political life in Europe’ and a Presentation of a good practice in private life from Italy “Team Game”

A number of issues raised addressed men’s needs and the importance of fathers in playing an active part in the life of their children. Changing stereotypes of men particularly as portrayed in the media both in men’s and women’s magazines and obstacles for fathers in using parental leave, including social disapproval and fear of compromising career were also brought forward. Participants felt that men’s health issues including the lower life expectancy rate require further study

A Charter of Intent on Gender Equality was launched in which the signatories committed themselves to work for an equal and active European citizenship in everyday life and at the workplace. NCW was represented by Vice-President Grace Attard who is also EESC member.


NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE PROMOTION OF EQUALITY 3RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The NCPE 3rd Annual Conference was a showcase of the sterling work carried out during 2006. In the keynote speech, Minster Cristina praised the work of the Commission in particular for its efforts to address discrimination at the workplace. Minister Cristina acknowledged the strong values of the Maltese society but emphasized that we have to be careful that traditional mentalities do not become obstacles to the advancement of women
.
Dr Janet Mifsud, Commissioner highlighted the need for more awareness raising of discrimination by all stakeholders and social partners. She identified the increased number of projects together with more research work aimed at encouraging good practice as the highlights of 2006. Work on analyzing and strengthening equality legislation is in progress. Mainstreaming gender in other areas such as transport, the environment and health among other are priorities for 2007

Executive Director, Sina Bugeja made a detailed presentation of the annual report highlighting the vast amount of work carried out by the Commission. Besides projects, training, research and participation in the media including discussion programmes. But perhaps the most important aspect of the Commission’s duty was dealing with complaints on discrimination particularly at the workplace.

During the second part of the conference participants took part in three workshops: Becoming gender sensitive; gender mainstreaming and 2007 – Year of Equal Opportunities for All. The conference was another successful event, in particular with the active contribution of the participants in the workshops, especially through the proposals made.
Details can be viewed on http://www.equality.gov.mt


ADDRESSING GENDER EQUALITY FROM MEN’S PERSPECTIVE
One of the most important resolutions discussed and approved at the AGM January 2007 was the role of men in the promotion of gender equality. The evolving process of gender equality involves both men and women. Raising awareness of the ‘partnership’ concept in households where both parents work is becoming more widespread. However addressing gender equality from men’s perspective is essential as men have much to give and to gain from gender equality policies

NCW recommends that
• the National Curricula and Lifelong Learning initiatives include programmes with the aim of producing strategies and practical measures that address the contribution of both parents to family responsibilities
• research is carried out on the perception, attitudes and behaviour of men regarding gender equality to be able to address the needs of women and men in the formulation of policies
• current courses for couples preparing for marriage to include men’s perspective on gender equality in the home, at the workplace and in society at large
• training for parents to create awareness of meaningful ‘relationships’ of gender equality as role models and the importance of their role in bringing up boys and girls as equal partners in their daily life and
• carry out studies on stereotyping of men and women in the media with a view to understand better the pressures resulting from the representation of men and women in magazines, television and internet amongst others.


WOMEN IN LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

In spite of the fact that the number of women in Local Councils is still low, their contribution to their locality has made a marked difference. NCW knows that they will serve as role models for women who are standing for elections on the 10 March 2007. Overcoming obstacles such as coping with family needs and with long hours of work for the locality is not easy. NCW supports all women candidates and appreciates their determination and commitment and is sure that the local people will express their support by voting for women with more trust this time round.


A WELCOME INITIATIVE – AFTER SCHOOL CHILDCARE SERVICES

NCW is pleased to note government’s commitment to family-friendly measures and the recent statement by Minister Cristina that plans to open childcare centres in state schools are underway. The implementation of after school programmes on the school premises providing a holistic and creative learning environment for children between 5 and 14 will definitely make it possible for men and women to extend their working hours if necessary, with the assurance that their children are in a secure and stimulating environment.

In one of its resolutions for 2005, NCW had proposed that after school services should include extra-curricular activities in a number of areas such as drama and sports among others. They could also offer assistance with homework and new methods to foster a love for reading, creative writing and develop creativity of children in areas including art, music and thinking skills. The services of retired individuals and others who have
expertise in educational and traditional skills can be utilized in line with the policy of active elderly



NCW MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

• On Thursday 1st March an NCW delegation led by President Doreen Micallef will be meeting the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi to present reports on various initiatives carried out by the Council in 2006. The President will also be submitting the Resolutions approved during the AGM 2007 together with plans for the coming year.
• On Friday 9th March, NCW in conjunction with the Austrian Embassy will be organizing a seminar entitled “Women in Diplomacy”
• On Saturday 10th March at 09.00am, H.E. Archbishop Paul Cremona will visit NCW Centre in Blata L-Bajda. Members of the National Council of Women, NCW Affiliated Organisations and members of the public are invited to meet the Archbishop on this special occasion
• Another initiative by the Council is that of finalising a study on “Obstacles on Women in Decision Making” under the UNESCO programmes in collaboration with the National Statistic Office. The first results will be published in the media in the next few days as part of NCW’s initiatives to mark the International Women’s Day


FORHTCOMING EVENTS

CYNTHIA TURNER WORKSHOP – PIANO WORKS FOR BICE MIZZI COMPETITION

Cynthia Turner will give a class on piano works performed for the Bice Mizzi competition on Wednesday 14th March at 5.00pm at 94 Nazju Ellul Street Gzira.
Those interested are to register at the National Council of Women on tel. 21248881/21246982 or send an email to ncwmalta@camline.net.mt

PASSOVER MEAL

The popular Passover Meal will once again be held at the National Council of Women Centre on Wednesday 28th March 2007 at 19.00 hrs. Spiritual Director Father Martin Mamo Price Lm5.90 .

HALF-DAY OF RECOLLECTION AND MASS

The Half-day of recollection and Mass will be held at the National Council of Women on Wednesday 4th April 2007 at 9.30 am Spiritual Director Mgr. Lawrence Gatt

For more information please phone NCW Office on 21248881/21246982 or send an email to ncwmalta@camline.net.mt




 

 
 
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