Sara Ezabe

What do you understand by ‘gender equality’ and ‘feminism’?

Gender egalitarianism does not mean women and men are the same in nature but that they have equal rights. They should not be discriminated against due to their gender.

Feminism is a reaction to lack of gender equality; it is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men. Sara Ezabe, Bachelor of Laws, 2nd year.

I understand gender equality to be equal and fair attribution of rights and responsibilities to all genders. Feminism is a movement promoting advocacy for women’s rights, and the pressuring of their implementation. Jessica Arena, BA English (Hons) and Communications, 3rd year.

Gender equality means having the same opportunities in life, the same treatment and the same pay; basically that neither sex feels inferior to the other. Feminism promotes women’s empowerment and enlightenment to push beyond constrains imposed by society. Manuel Xuereb, MA in European Politics, Economics and Law, 1st year.

Jessica Arena

Has enough has been done to achieve gender equality in Malta or is sexism still a problem?

This is a global issue, and although Malta is one of the progressive countries adopting campaigns such as HeForShe, there is still much to overcome. Sara Ezabe

Sexism in certain sectors of society is still something of a problem; however it is more of a cultural issue rather than an institutionalised one. Nationally, there is awareness and effort to curtail sexist behaviour, but the fact that isolated incidents continue to occur with some degree of regularity is worrisome. Jessica Arena

Equality is an idealistic concept that forever needs to be worked on. Yes, sexism is still a big problem in our society that needs radical solutions. Banning pornography on the web can be one of them. Manuel Xuereb

Manuel Xuereb

Do gender roles have a negative or positive effect on Maltese society? Why?

I do not believe there is a social and behavioural norm considered appropriate for either gender in a social setting or interpersonal relationship.

Such attitudes create gender stereotypes and the formation of sexism or prejudiced beliefs that value one sex over another. Sara Ezabe

Traditional gender roles are still quite common in Malta, which I feel is something negative. It restricts one’s opportunities because of their gender. Jessica Arena

Society needs to be flexible with gender roles, and teach the need to respect the human behind the gender.

One should be free to do anything irrelevant of their sex. Manuel Xuereb

(Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation)