Confederation calls for clear childcare centre plans

The Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations (MCWO) has called for affordable child care centres in all towns and villages in order to retain, promote and encourage more women in the labour market.

The confederation in its reactions to the Budget said it welcomed the opening of more childcare centres together with the increase in budget to meet the demand for this service. It said a more holistic strategy is needed in order to enable all parents, especially those with young children, to combine work with family.

"Rather than vague promises of other childcare centres in the pipeline, MCWO expects a comprehensive and binding strategy with definite time lines and an adequate budget to implement it. It is in the government's own interest to provide a road map which would assist it in its effort to implement this important policy for the country."

The confederation said that establishing a National Childcare Unit was a step in the right direction and may be useful in achieving this important goal.

"One hopes that this does not remain a vague promise but is implemented without further delay although clarifications are needed on the role it will assume. The MCWO hopes that by the next budget apart from the existing guidelines proper legislation will be in place to regulate this important sector."