Speaking at the opening of an art exhibition in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the National Women’s Council, the minister explained that, since Malta’s independence, much work has been done towards achieving the dream of gender equality.

“It is very significant that the principle of an equal pay regardless of sex was made part of the Independence Constitution,” he said, adding that this principle has been exercised among government employees since 1967.

Many initiatives have been taken along the years to eliminate discrimination between the sexes. The Constitution was amended to recognise gender equality as a fundamental right. In 1987, the Commission for the Advancement of Women was set up, together with the Department for Women’s Equality, to finalise proposals on amendments to the law to guarantee gender equality, Dr Zammit Dimech explained.

Broadcasting, education and income tax laws were among the ones that were changed to eliminate discrimination, along with the introduction of the family law in 1993 that gave rights to married women.

Presently, 40,000 women are employed on a full-time basis, which is a great leap from the 17,000 female employees in 1964. Dr Zammit Dimech explained that the concept of equal opportunity has now become a fact of life.

Free access to the University of Malta means everyone can further their studies and reach their ultimate career goals. He mentioned that women have more freedom nowadays and therefore job opportunities for them are increasing.

Women have been appointed to high-ranking positions – magistrates, ministers and parliamentary secretaries. This shows that women’s place in society has become even more valuable but although a lot of progress has been made, there will always be more work to be done, the minister said.

Dr Zammit Dimech concluded by wishing the council and all women well. He said he hoped the work they do in the field of equal rights, in Malta and at the international level, will be successful.