Speaking during a round table meeting with representatives from various women’s groups, Dr Gonzi said that he wanted to see more women grasping opportunities and in high-ranking decision-making jobs.

He pointed out that the Nationalist Government could not have given a better example than it did by appointing two female ministers and a parliamentary secretary.

Dr Gonzi said yesterday’s was the first in a series of meetings with social partners. “These are special times. We have just joined the European Union and we must do our best to get the most out of membership. But we must also contribute to the union,” he said.

The EU’s fundamental value was solidarity, he said. “Now we must accept the solidarity of others, offer ours in return and we must look

to the future to secure peace and

prosperity.”

The prime minister said the Nationalist government believed Malta could develop further now it is an EU member. “We also have the right to vote our representatives into the European Parliament. Being an EU member will allow all of us to progress – not just a few of us, but everyone.”

Dr Gonzi said that, prior to the election, he wanted to have meetings with all the social partners. “We have had non-governmental organisations for a long time, but it is only recently that we have begun calling them social partners,” he said.

Stressing the need for gender equality, the prime minister said: “We cannot just not use the valuable human resources that are being wasted – and I am referring to women.” He also said that he wanted to see a lot more women in decision making roles. “The European Union will help us offer more opportunities to women,” said Dr Gonzi.