Activists on Friday called for the introduction of abortion and an end to domestic violence in a march held in Valletta on the occasion of Women’s Day.

Women, non-binary, trans people and allies marched in the streets of Valletta to mark International Women’s Day. This day is not just an opportunity for corporate well-wishes and superficial politics, but a manifestation of the ongoing struggles for gender equality, while acknowledging that there are still so many battles left to fight for us to live in a society that is free from patriarchal oppression, the activists said in a statement.

This year’s theme, ‘United for Collective Liberation’, emphasised the need to join forces for change - a change that will liberate women from oppression and injustice. The women said that while incremental reforms towards justice are essential, they aim to see a much more radical, global change in relationships and institutions. They also pointed out that the rights we enjoy today are thanks to the countless brave women who were not afraid to put their lives on the line for us, and that they will carry on that legacy. 

Amongst many placards in the march, there were several that remembered women who were killed by their partners.  Domestic violence cases continue to be heard by just two magistrates with backlogs of up to a year, while action to tackle domestic violence remains insufficient at best, the activists said.

Femicides, however, are just the most vile and public manifestation of a broader problem of deep-rooted cultural violence. Women continue to face harassment, catcalling, unequal distribution of care responsibilities, unequal pay, belittlement and pervasive sexism and misogyny, domestic violence and rape daily.

The women also pointed out that Malta’s abortion ban continues to dehumanise women and to deny them their rights. They called on politicians to do their duty and to legislate in favour of the right for women and other pregnant persons to decide for themselves whether they want to continue with a pregnancy or to terminate it. The women said that they felt betrayed by politicians and by the Church, which prioritise the preservation of embryos over women's rights. They said that last year, politicians betrayed women even more by amending the law and making it even more difficult for women and other persons to terminate a pregnancy, even if their life is at risk.

On International Women’s Day, the protesters said that they do not want empty promises, but action. They are telling the world, “Keep your flowers - we want change. We want to feel safe inside and outside our homes; to be paid the same as men; to have equal opportunities; to end the occupational powers ravaging other countries under the guise of our rights; and to be finally liberated from our collective shackles. Only then can we redesign our society away from our systems of oppression to a system of care and respect. If our liberation is not a collective one, then it is neither fair nor just.”

 

This year’s Women’s Day march is endorsed by the following organisations:

 

aditus foundation

Antide Malta

Doctors for Choice

Humanists Malta

IVY Malta - Interrupting Violence towards Youth

Malta Dance Beyond Borders

Malta LGBT Rights Movement, MGRM

Men Against Violence

Migrant Women Association

Moviment Graffitti

The Gender and Sexualities Department, University of Malta

The Malta Women's Lobby

Women for Women

Women’s Rights Foundation

YMCA Malta

Young Progressive Beings, YPB