The National Council for the Promotion of Equality received 17 complaints of discrimination last year, many of which revolved around sexual harassment and discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnic origin and sexual orientation.

The figures were announced at the council’s 9th annual conference today.

The conference also heard that several adverts had been reported to the council.

Last year the council intervened in 60 cases of gender discriminatory adverts, 55 of which contained discriminatory text and five non-balanced gender images.

NCPE executive director Romina Bartolo said the council was awarding Simonds Farsons Cisk Plc and Food Chain Ltd with the Equality Mark Certificate.

This certificate is given to companies or organisations which have implemented occupational policies and practices which guarantee gender equality.

Last year 19 companies were certified representing 2,021 employees bringing the total number of certified companies up to 53 representing 15,714 employees.

Dr Bartolo highlighted the extension of the NCPE’s remit in 2012 as a “major mile stone in combating discrimination”.

The council’s responsibilities now include discrimination based on gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation and race/ethnic origin.

Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli said that while increased effort had been made, the female participation rate was still disappointingly low.

“Consensus about this is one thing, actually delivering on it is another. This government is committed to deliver on these issues,” Dr Dalli said.