Women's confederation lists budget proposals

The Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) has made a series of proposals to the government ahead of the forthcoming budget, including a call for the setting up of facilities to help working couples by providing care services for children before and after school and during holidays.

The confederation also urged the government to introduce more flexible conditions for women returnees after maternity leave. “It is suggested that this be done by allowing the mother to work part-time or on reduced hours for a number of weeks or months after the maternity leave period, and to include those working in the private sector.”

Among other suggestions were the promotion of teleworking and a father’s quota of parental leave.

On taxation, the confederation said Income tax refunds should be made to the employee who is entitled to it, not to the spouse/partner designated as the responsible partner for income declaration.

“A more comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act is necessary to move towards separate tax computations without having just one head of household in charge of income tax related matters.”

Other proposals included assistance to women entrepreneurs, minimum social security payments on part-time employment, an extension of the breast screening programme and a proper sex education programme.

The Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) represents 14 local organisations which collectively represent 24,000 women.