Validation of women

Sixty years ago, Maltese women were given the vote. Fifty years ago, the Treaty of Rome established the principle of equal pay for men and women. Although the two events were not connected - and indeed the second one had no significance for Maltese women until 1967, when civil servants received equal pay - the ripple effects, like a large stone flung into a deep pool, have been felt in ever-growing circles.

The enfranchisement of women and access to equal opportunities are concepts which are fundamental to the very basis of societies built on the principles of rights and solidarity. And such principles can only go to further strengthen and render healthy our mini-societies, our families.

Although, in the words of the Beatles' song, the road is long and winding and there have been many obstacles along the way, much has been accomplished in the field of gender equality and rights of women.

The fact that the European Union treats gender equality separately from other discrimination issues, it sends a loud and clear signal to all. The choice of this year's theme by the EU, Year Of Equal Opportunities For All, drums the message home even further.

The past 18 years have seen a huge change in legislation and conditions in favour of women, mainly because issues concerning gender equality have been at the forefront of the government's social agenda since 1989, with several significant landmarks leading to the Equality for Men and Women Act (2003).

This led to the setting up of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality of Men and Women as the national machinery for this legislation. The Commission, besides carrying out a vigorous campaign to bring gender issues to the attention of the general public, has been instrumental in initiating some important projects.

There remain several challenges related to the relatively low percentage of women in the workforce: These are being addressed by the introduction of family-friendly measures and innovative working patterns to encourage women to join and/or remain in the labour market - such as providing affordable childcare facilities, promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities, encouraging employers to develop a work/life balance for both sexes, flexibility in employment conditions and lifelong learning and training opportunities.

Running parallel to participation in economic life is the second crucial objective: Equal access to full participation in power structures. Here too, we see a greatly improved picture, with experienced and qualified women being nominated to positions of decision-making, such as in the judiciary, and providing role models for the younger generation who certainly do not intend hitting their heads against the proverbial glass ceiling.

The media has an important role to play, as in so many other matters - undoubtedly, the media and those who contribute to it form one of the strongest opinion-making machines around.

Therefore, it is crucial that the message portrayed is one that asserts our belief in a world of equality, where differences are seen as strengths and not weaknesses. The message is not only portrayed through the words used, but essentially through the choice of news item. I must confess to being rather proud of our female journalists who frequently attend press events at which I am present - without, of course, denying the worth of our male journalists! However, I do believe that, with women on board, certain issues are pushed forward on the media agenda, and subsequently on the country's agenda.

The same counts for women in politics. Several of my male counterparts in the House of Representatives have openly acknowledged that this country would not be discussing certain matters from certain perspectives were it not for the six women MPs.

Perhaps what is most important, on the international as well as the local scene, is the recognition and validation of women in all the roles they play: Managers, employees, mothers, daughters, grandmothers.

And, in celebrating Women's Day, we are really marking a moment when society recognises the contribution of women in all these roles, acknowledging at the same time how much poorer this world would be without that contribution.

Ms Cristina is Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity.