The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality has formally certified another 15 organisations with the Equality Mark.
ADI and Associates, Besedo, Burger King, the Department for Health, Information and Research, Department for Social Welfare Standards, the Directorate for Corporate Services, KFC, MSV, Northway, PAHRO, Pizza Hut, the Programme Implementation Directorate, RSM Malta, Studio Seven and Uniblue were presented with their certification at a ceremony led by Justice Minister Chris Said recently.
The organisations have been recognised as equal opportunities employers in relation to gender and are authorised to use the Equality Mark logo on their publications and documentation. The certification and accompanying logo is valid for two years from date of award.
This latest group brings the number of companies certified with the Equality Mark to 51 companies with 15,253 employees working under gender-certified conditions.
During a half-day conference, the NCPE also launched the outcomes of the research study entitled Life Prospects of Teenage Parents, which form part of the same European Social Fund Project, Unlocking the Female Potential.
The results of a two-year study focus on 100 participants who became parents during their teenage years and delved into the perceptions, attitudes and views of such young parents.
The study identified the respondent profile, overall feelings and perceptions of teenage parents, educational prospects and job prospects among teenage parents, lifestyle and hobbies, immediate family’s reaction to respondent becoming a parent, and views and attitudes on sex among teenage parents and their relationship with the other parent.
The findings of an analysis of the Equality Mark were also presented. This study analysed the impact of the Equality Mark and sought ways to develop, strengthen and enhance it, by seeking similar initiatives carried out in other EU member states.
The aim was to create a tool supporting equal opportunities far beyond the project’s lifetime, by strengthening the projects’ longevity, as well as using the full potential of the Equality Mark as a positive tool of change.
Policy recommendations which were also included in the report, were discussed with stakeholders during the conference. Information on the Equality Mark certificate and its application process are obtainable by writing to equality@gov.mt or calling 2590 3850.