Unlike the many feasts that are celebrated in Malta, I see the International Women’s Day not as a commemoration, but as a day that should merge thought and action for the promotion of advancement of women in our society.
It does not take much to realise that in our country, the concepts of gender equality and the advancement of women seem relatively new especially when compared to other European countries. Of course, we can argue that history, cultural values and mostly religion were the main factors contributing to the society we live in today. It is surprising that you still find women today refusing to be visited by a female GP or be defended by a female lawyer. As a woman myself, I feel offended when I hear such comments and find it hard to understand how these women expect to be trusted and respected by men when they themselves perceive their gender to be inferior.
It is also shocking to realise what a small percentage of women make up the workforce in our country. It is only recently that women have started being presented with greater opportunities but I feel that this is only the beginning of a long and difficult journey to change the mentality. With regard to women in the workforce, I congratulate the government for considering childcare facilities as a priority on its agenda. I also fully agree with Mrs Borg from the MCWO who suggested that both fathers and mothers should be given a quota of personal leave that is non-transferable. These measures all contribute to a society that supports women and their advancement in society.
As the Church is a very influential entity in Malta, I believe that she also has a role to play in order to promote gender equality. I believe that instead of discouraging women to be part of the labour market, the Church should aim at emphasising the importance of sharing domestic and child rearing responsibilities in the family. If we all agree that men and women are equal and ought to enjoy equal opportunities, then we must all agree that promoting a symmetrical family is the best option to adopt.
Family breakdown is not triggered by an emancipated woman who refuses to terminate her career once she has children. Family breakdown could start when both spouses refuse to collaborate with each other and fail to recognise each other’s need to feel emancipated and have a sense of self-worth.
Safeguarding the rights of women and promoting a society were both sexes enjoy equal opportunities, is not solely a woman’s need in society. It is also the plea of children who wish to see their dads more often at home and a plea by society at large that strives for a better future, were full personal development and exploitation of abilities is encouraged.
Christabelle Pulis
TARXIEN