DOREEN MICALLEF is the President of the National Council of Women of Malta. She follows in the footsteps of several worthy women who have occupied the post. The first president was Josephine Amato Gauci. Minster Cristina also held the post from 1991 – 1995.

NCW Malta has several affiliates and in turn it is affiliated to the International Council of Women. The Council of Women, a federation of women of all nations, races, creeds and cultural traditions has its roots in Seneca Falls, New York State, USA where it was founded by Susan B. Anthony and other women's rights activists. Council of Women are now found in 70 countries. The headquarters are in Paris. Maria Guiliana Fenech caught up with her to find out more.

When was the NCW founded?

The National Council of Women of Malta was founded in 1964. It is a non-governmental organisation, which comprises both individual members, and national organisations. It is non-partisan, non-sectarian and independent. Our mission is that of a co-ordinating, philantropic body of women that aims to act to improve the status of women and the well-being of society; to present a broad and comprehensive view of women's opinions on matters of national interest and cultural traditions based on human rights; and to make women more aware not only of their rights but also of their civic, moral, political and social responsibilities to society as a whole. One of our principal aims is to improve the quality of life for all. In particular we work to promote equality of opportunity for women and enable them to participate effectively at all levels and in all aspects of the life of the community. We provide a forum for all women, whatever their background may be, to come together as individuals and as representatives of affiliated organizations in order to exchange information and ideas, formulate policy, educate and promote change.

What is its role in today’s society?

The objectives of NCW are to promote the establishment of human rights for the people of Malta and their civic, educational, moral and religious welfare; to promote such conditions of life as will assure for all persons opportunities for full and free development; to secure the removal of all disabilities of women, legal, economic or social and to promote the effective participation of women in the life of the nation; to promote sympathy of thought and co-operation among women; to act a as co-ordinating body for organisations which work for any of its objectives; to collect and distribute information of service to the community and so that through the International Council of Women to form a link with National Councils of Women in other countries.

Our role in society is still very pertinent. We are very active in safeguarding the interests of women. We definitely practice what we preach. Indeed at our premises in Blata l-Bajda, educational courses are constantly going on. Although we are the National Council of Women of Malta, we keep ourselves up-to-date with the plight of women around the world. In some countries women’s rights have actually regresses due to wars, military regimes etc…

As I’ve mentioned we have several affiliates, both local and international. Naturally we are members of the International Council of Women. We are also founder members of the ENATW – the European Network Against Trafficking in Women for sexual exploitation. Our vice-President Grace Attard represents civil society in the EESC – the European Economic and Social Committee while our honoured Secretary Doris Bingley is a representative with the Commonwealth Foundation, also for civil society. In fact, she was recently in Uganda for the CHOGM.

Our role is very broad and so NCW is further divided into different committees – Social Affairs, Education, Health, Environment, Youth & EU affairs … Not all the committees have the same level of activity but they are all crucial. Each committee is in charge of tackling hot topics related to its role. One of our recent, most successful activities was a collection of lectures for women who would like to take up decision-making positions in politics. Guest lectures included mayor and minister. On our initiative, in collaboration with NECC we not only held seminars on the Euro Changeover, which were very well attended, but we also offered courses on household budgeting. The NCW also offers courses in basic computer skills, ECDL, Maltese, English and Maths and Entrepreneurship. Our courses are always fully-booked and they have to be re-organised and re-organised!

Do you believe that in Malta there is still work to do on the equal opportunities front?

Yes, definitely. From a recent survey on perceived obstacles in women in decision-making position at the workplace and in politics, sponsored by UNESCO and carried out by the National Statistics Office, we found out that women still have obstacles that hinder them from reaching their goals. The major one is children. It is sad to view child-rearing as an obstacle, but unfortunately the bulk of child-rearing still falls on the woman. In Malta we are actually very fortunate as the extended family is very helpful when it comes to childcare. The second obstacle is the spouse who can be unsupportive. Sometimes a wife might be holding a full time job yet she also has to do all of the household chores. The third obstacle is probably the women themselves who are sometimes not confident enough of their capabilities. I believe that we have to work on combating the mentality that women are not capable. Yes, women can do it; work can be integrated with good family life and working is not a disservice to the family.

The gender pay gap still exists. In Malta there is a 15% gender pay gap, however in some parts of the EU this is as high as 40%. The reasons behind this are because married women are discriminated when applying for work. They have household responsibilities and unless they find support from their spouse, part-time work is the only option. Naturally part-time work is often not available at high managerial positions. In addition, when a woman works and has a family she has to factor in several expenses such as clothing, house-help, childcare, and transport, possibly spending more on groceries. When all these are totted up a woman has to calculate what the actual take-home money is and whether working is really worth it.

We believe that Education and Empowerment are the skeleton keys, which will open all doors. An educated woman can help her family, get a fulfilling job and be active in civic life.

For how long have you been President of NCW and what does your role encapsulate?

I have been president for a little over a year, since January 2007. I was elected during the AGM for a two-year term. My role is mostly managerial. I am in a decision-making position and I lead members towards carrying out projects. I do not rule with an iron fist and I always listen to what the members of the committee have to say. During the AGM we come up with resolutions, which need to be dealt wit. These cover different areas such as Pension Reform. The NCW is often consulted and so we always have to be totally in sync with what is going on. For example the NCW had been for several years hampering for a National Breast Screening Project. Finally, money was allocated for this in Budget 2008. Therefore our opinion counts and is heeded.

As President of NCW I ensure that the image of the council is not of fuddy duddy old ladies. The reality is extremely different. We are active on so many levels of policy making. For example the NCW was consulted when a Bill on Bio-Ethics was being drafted.