Maltese women today are still under-represented in many aspects of social life and their presence is still extremely low in the political sphere where most of the decisions that affect them and their families are taken.

The Confederation of Women’s Organisations, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, urged the political parties to make extra efforts to scout for talented women to contest the local and national elections.

“These women can be supported by the political parties in many ways in order to promote their success in an area where they are still highly under-represented. Thus, political parties need to make sure enough space is created for women candidates in order to ensure their visibility and active participation at all levels of political life in Malta,” the Malta Confederation for Women’s Organisations pointed out.

Women in Malta are still not as active as men in the labour market: in fact, just under 70 per cent of all women aged between 15 and 64 are not actively employed or seeking work. While acknowledging that some women, especially older ones, may not want to seek active employment, the government is not providing effective support structures for many women, especially mothers with young children, to remain or re-enter the labour market.

“Many other women who work on a casual basis find that the high NI contributions they are asked to pay are a financial burden that discourages them from joining the formal labour market.”

In the light of the imminent changes to our pension system, the MCWO requested that adequate attention is given to how this reform will affect Maltese women.

“It is hoped that the government will give reasonable and adequate time credits to mothers and fathers who take time off from remunerated work to care for their young children and to workers who take time off to care for their elderly parents and relatives.”