EP NCW Public Dialogue

Women in Public Life - A Changing Scenario

More Women in Senior positions – key to economic stability and growth

Malta ranks lowest in political decision making 9% at national level and nil in the EP. The distribution of women and men members of political parties of the Ep 2009 ranges from 15% to 50% which shows that some political parties do better in promoting gender balance.

The public dialogue organised by the EP Office in Malta and the National Council of Women at Europa House on the 16 April, brought together all stakeholders MEPs, representatives of political parties, Trade Unions, Employers, entrepreneurs and EU experts to evaluate the current under-representation of women in senior positions, in political decision-making, local, regional and European, in public administration and in economic activity. Malta ranks lowest in political decision making 9% at national level and nil in the EP. The distribution of women and men members of political parties of the EP 2009 ranges from 15% to 50% which shows that some political parties do better in promoting gender balance.

The economic crisis - (a very male crisis?!!) has sharply revealed the lack of women in prominent positions in the finance sector and in the largest companies which contribute significantly to national economies At EU level, progress has been slow and only minor improvements have been seen in the economic and financial sectors (no directors of central banks are women and only 17% of central bank board members are female) with the figure being barely 3% for the boards of management of major companies We are becoming more aware that the contribution of women can be beneficial to business. It is necessary therefore for both the public and the private sector to be innovative in ensuring the increase of women in business at all levels and in removing barriers

More efforts are needed to encourage women entrepreneurs. In Europe women currently make up only 45% of all persons in employment (Malta 38%), but only a third of all those are self-employed. More women in science, research and development are key to innovation and competitivity for the future of Europe, but the talent of women remain underutilised. Across Europe, decision-making bodies of Trade Unions include just less than 23% women members whilst employers’ organisations have less than 12%

Whilst structural barriers still exist in spite of legislation, stereotypical attitudes and preconceptions of women’s roles and abilities remain the most important obstacles, however lack of suitable female role models, family commitments, lack of networking and lack of mentoring opportunities amongst others also need to be addressed.

The interaction with the participants highlighted a number of important factors which included the need for affordable childcare facilities that match the working hours of both parents, a cultural change in society to address outdated perceptions of the different roles of men and women in life and work, while emphasising the role of men in ensuring work-life balance; the elimination of barriers to ensure more women in senior positions in politics and in the corporate world. Although quotas and positive action were two themes which were strongly discussed form different view points, agreement was reached in recognising that the speeding up of the inclusion of women in the highest decision-making level in corporate boardrooms was necessary; in fact, some European governments have already adopted a legislative approach by introducing gender quotas.

Research recently carried out by employers revealed that a relatively small percentage of companies in Malta have a gender equality policy in place, as required by EU law, although other companies consider family -friendly measures on a case by case basis, it was stated. Addressing the demographic deficit and a sustainable welfare system, the creation of jobs and economic growth require more efforts to remove barriers that will ensure more women are in employment, if Malta is to retain its competitive edge; There should no longer be any distinction between the public and private sectors in the implementation of national policies. However this can only be realistically achieved if Government and social partners reach agreement on sharing the costs.

The Health and Safety Directive on the Extension of Maternity leave, which is currently being hotly debated in Malta and which will be up for adoption in the European Parliament in May, can offer the possibility for such an agreement, to be reached. This indeed would mean a definite shift in practice, in the implementation of gender equality law in Malta, by adopting measures that have been successfully carried out in other member states

US Ambassador Douglas Kmiec questioned whether women have a separate voice, a set of experiences of their own. He asked what rank order we are giving to the family, when we speak about women, men and the family. Statements such as ‘Women are burdened with a biological burden’ should never be made asthe family is too precious for civilisation. Cultural change begins in the home - ‘the government of the household’ if we truly want to address the family deficit

In his concluding address Hon Chris Said spoke about government’s commitment together with the MCESD to address Industrial Relations Legislation in the near future, which will be focusing on proposals for better conditions of work for women, in particular for pregnant workers, some of which are already established in EU law. Hon Said also spoke about schemes for the provision of childcare facilities for private sector, funded by the EU; however not a single company made use of this scheme.

Gender equality in the labour market is a fundamental theme of the European Strategy for growth and jobs and ensuring the full integration of women in decision-making process is a key aspect to this objective. Inclusion efforts to increase the female workforce, even if this requires ‘short term pain’ will result in a not -so –far- away thriving economy , from which employers and workers and the Maltese society will benefit.

The public dialogue was chaired by NCW President Grace Attard and co-chaired by Dr Julian Vassallo, Head, European Parliament Office, Malta