Women are still the 'working poor'

Having just marked International Women's Day, trade unions and political parties must make women's right to equality and their working conditions a priority.

Women, migrants and youth workers are the sectors most exploited as they are largely employed in precarious work, such as part-time, self-employed or on definite contracts.

Unfortunately, certain movements in Malta give little importance to the working conditions of women. In fact, they believe that part-time employment is a means for women to enter the labour market, thus ignoring the fact that many women are being obliged to opt for precarious work. Employers see this as a way to avoid giving women their working rights and the right to join a trade union.

The government should address the problem of precarious employment by confronting the problem and legislating in favour of decent and secure jobs, more family- friendly measures, provision of more childcare facilities and extension of maternity leave - fully paid.

Women should not be condemned to remain classified as the "working poor".