Appreciation - Jane Spiteri

Myriam Spiteri Debono writes:

The passing away of Jane Spiteri signals the end of an era when public-spirited women like her had to consciously make a choice between dedicating themselves to the service of others on a national level or opting to have a family.

Jane was not only a personal achiever in her own right but women of my generation looked up to her as a beacon of guidance and hope at a time when it was still quasi anathema for young women to envisage a future for themselves as fully-fledged citizens shouldering social and national responsibilities side by side with men.

I personally have very fond memories of Jane. I cherish the many times when we were of the same mind on various issues, not necessarily just on matters dealing with women. I also remember that our differences were rarely regarding substance but mainly stemmed from disagreement with regard to the best tactics and/or the opportune timing for certain changes to be pushed forward. I especially treasure her often repeated advice, which advice echoes what was said by the late professor of civil law Victor Caruana Galizia that, in changes meant to benefit society in general, by helping women in particular one has to appeal to men's role as fathers of daughters.

Society in general and Maltese women in particular have a lot to thank Jane Spiteri for.