More than a century ago women started a fight against inequality and oppression and today, in 2018, we still commemorate International Women's Day, if perhaps not for the same oppression as in 1908, but for other forms of inequality, sexual harassment, lower pay, violence against women, femicide, modern day slavery, lack of representation on boards and in politics among others
March 8 should be the day when decision-makers stop and reflect on their responsibilities towards women. Throughout the years women have had to struggle to achieve rights that are theirs, and no less significant than those of men, simply because they were born women. Society in general, especially men need to become sensitised about these issues as it also concerns their daughters, wives and mothers. Many European countries still have a patriarchal society and before society comes to terms with the unfairness of this fact and develops a serious strategy and plan to rectify the situation, not even in another hundred years will women achieve gender equality. The National Council of Women, once again urges political leaders to put in practice a strategy that reflects the realities of today as soon as possible.
There should be no more news headlines about sexual harassment towards girls and women, in sports, leisure and at the workplace, nor reports about femicide and other cases of violence against women that regretfully, have continued to grow in numbers. As a start, the 'magic wand' lies in the type of education both girls and boys, men and women receive, changing perceptions and accepting the fact that both have capabilities and skills that complement each other and which they can make use of for the benefit of society. Why is such a large percentage of what women can bring to the drawing board being ignored and wasted?
The National Council of Women urges all stakeholders to eliminate the perception that women are suitable for 'certain' jobs only and instead encourage them to take up STEM subjects that will lead to jobs of the future: in science, research and technology in a world that is fast becoming more and more digitalized.
Female entrepreneurship must also be on the agenda. Today many mothers are breadwinners with family responsibilities. It is imperative that every possible measure and support is given to them, so that they can seize opportunities that will allow both fathers and mothers to balance work and family life and contribute to the economy, with the assurance that the family is not being disadvantaged.
The National Council of Women has worked and advocated for women's rights and empowerment throughout the last 54 years, remaining the most active and consistent women's organization, not least in its road to achieving the goals set in the UN 5th sustainable development goal and urges decision makers to #PRESS FOR PROGRESS in achieving gender equality.
Mary Gaerty
President
National Council of Women Malta