MUBE recently participated in a conference organised by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) launching the Research Report emanating from the European Social Fund co-funded project ‘Unlocking The Female Potential’ ESF3.47.  This is the result of two years’ research wherein a total of 6,300 people were interviewed.

The study involved research activities which focused on learning and understanding what hinders women to get involved in training and employment.

Topics covered in the report were:

• The Situation of the Male and Female Entrepreneurs and Vulnerable Workers in Malta
• The Relevance of Economic Independence to the Maltese Female
• Analysing Inactivity from a Gender Perspective
• Gozitan Women in Employment

MUBE participated in a workshop that analysed:

• the glass ceiling and glass cliff effect (barriers) of employed females
• how Maltese women view financial independence, and
• the effects of social security benefits on the decision to take up employment.

At the end of the workshop the following proposals were brought forward for consideration by policy makers:

1. Maternity leave to be shared equally between the mother and the father.  In this regard the financial burden is divided between both the male’s and the female’s employers.

2. In order to minimise abuse related to social security benefits received by single mothers, a system similar to the students’ Smartcard system is to be implemented.  As such recipients of these benefits will receive part-payment in cash and the rest credited to their respective ‘Smartcard’, which card can then be utilised in specific outlets.

The conference was concluded by the Equality Mark award ceremony presided by the Hon Minister for Justice, Dialogue and the Family Dr Chris Said.  Another 15 organisations were awarded with the Equality Mark, totalling to 32 certified companies representing over 13,000 employees who work under gender equal certified conditions.

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This Conference was attended by Rosette Buttigieg.
Photo – DOI – Martin Attard

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