Women in decision-making

Viewing press conferences, business breakfasts, participation at conferences, one would think that Malta consists only of males, as there is a dire lack of the participation of females at such events. Why is this? Why is Malta still trailing behind with respect to gender balance? Which are the cultural and societal obstacles that are hindering this advance, despite the fact that over 60 per cent of our graduates are now female? What are the attitudes to be overcome?

Recently, both major political parties implemented a grassroots positive discrimination position in order to increase the level of female. The recent MLP call to include a constitutional amendment to ensure such equality at parliamentary level will certainly be the source of much discussion and debate. Does Malta need quotas and positive action in order to ensure that this gender equality is finally achieved? How does our electoral system of proportional representation fit in with a possible quota system?

We know networking is important and it may be that the old boy's network is still far too strong in Malta. At the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) we have over 500 extremely valid and qualified women on our database, who we regularly suggest for nominations on boards and committees. The number of women in such boards has increased slightly over the last few years but it is not enough. We are also aware that some women refuse board or committee appointments as they feel they cannot combine family responsibilities with working for the nation. Even the annual Qadi tar-Repubblika awards lack female nominations. Why is this when we know that so many females are dedicating so much time to Maltese society in several spheres and also in the voluntary sector? When will they come forward and how can they become more visible?

The reality is that gender seems to be an unacceptable term in Malta. Several of the young graduates I come in contact with perceive that gender equality is not a problem in Malta, yet the figures state otherwise. Even in a university with an abundance of female students, there is still just one full-time female professor among its faculties. Recent announcements of large projects make a great deal of noise without any mention whatsoever of the gender dimension of the project. Will family friendly provisions be an integral part of the new SmartCity project in Ricasoli and will it see a childcare facility available besides a five-star hotel? Have the recent upgrades in transport infrastructure, such as the proposed Park and Ride scheme, taken note of the gender dimension of the problem?

Several women in decision-making positions have been quoted as saying that "the most interesting advice I got was to get involved, learn to stand up and speak in front of people, learn to take ideas and articulate them to people, and take the risks to do it because it's worth it". They quote using skills such as commitment, courage, toughness, confidence, listening and consensus, juggling and balancing, and seizing the moment. Mentoring is a key tool that can be used and the recent initiative taken by the University of Malta, in this respect, is to be encouraged.

Women in Decision Making: Meeting Challenges, Creating Change is the United Nations theme for International Women's Day this year. The Beijing Platform for Action in 1995, to which Malta was a signatory, identified women in power and decision-making as one of its critical areas of concern and outlined concrete actions to be taken to increase women's access and full participation in power structures and decision-making. The participation of women in political parties is important because it provides a path to power and political decision-making. Although in some countries the strict concept of equality opposes the introduction of affirmative action, in other countries positive action programmes have been undertaken.

This is a matter that certainly needs more than just a legal input. Any type of mandatory positive action or quotas warrants a more detailed cultural and sociological research within the local context in order to ensure that the end justifies the means, and that it does not backfire.

All this must also be taken in the context that Malta is still facing a big obstacle in its efforts to better its economy, as women continue to stay out of the official labour market. Progress can only be achieved if we understand the local social and cultural constraints. It also entails comprehending the differential perspectives, roles, needs, interests of women and men in Malta today. The NCPE is coordinating EU co-funded projects under ESF and Equal funds, together with local partners from various sectors, which are catalysing change by working towards sensitising the Maltese public to the issue of gender equality, and also to show how Maltese society can benefit from the promotion of equality.

The next few years will see the consolidation of this ongoing work, and the monitoring of data on the relations between Maltese women and men, pertaining to their access to and control over resources, benefits and decision-making processes. The NCPE will assist the authorities in ensuring that gender equality forms part of the analysis, formulation and monitoring of all policies, programmes and projects. Only then can we increase the impact of gender on public life at all levels and have a more democratic and just society.

Dr Mifsud is commissioner, National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.