Gender equality - a plea

Women's day should merge thought and action for the promotion of advancement of women in our society.

It does not take much to realise that in Malta the concepts of gender equality and the advancement of women seem relatively new. We may argue that history, cultural values and, mostly, religion were the main factors contributing to the society we live in today.

It is surprising how some women today refuse to be examined by a female GP or defended by a female lawyer. I am offended when faced with such comments and find it hard to understand how these women expect to be trusted and respected by men when they perceive their gender to be inferior.

It is also shocking to witness the reality of the small percentage of women engaged in workforce in our country. Women are being presented with greater opportunities but this is only the beginning of a long and difficult journey towards a change in mentality.

Government should be congratulated for making childcare facilities a priority on the national agenda and I agree with suggestions that both fathers and mothers should be given a quota of personal leave that is non-transferable. These measures all contribute towards a society which supports women and their advancement in society.

The Church also has a role to play - instead of discouraging women to be part of the labour market, the Church should aim at emphasising the importance of sharing domestic and child-bearing responsibilities within the family. Promoting a symmetrical family is the best option to adopt.

Family breakdown is not triggered by an emancipated woman who refuses to terminate her career once she has children. Family breakdown may be instigated when both spouses refuse to collaborate with each other and fail to recognise each other's need to feel emancipated and self-realised.

Safeguarding women's rights and promoting a society in which both sexes enjoy equal opportunities, is not solely a woman's need. It is also the plea of children who wish to see their fathers at home more often and a plea from society at large that strives for a better future, where full personal development and exploitation of potential is encouraged.