The European Commission recently published a report that studied the application of Directive 2002/73/EC throughout the EU bloc. Directive 2002/73/EC is known as the Directive on Equal Treatment for Men and Women in Employment. This directive, which was adopted unanimously by all member states, prohibits any discrimination on the grounds of sex in occupation and employment, and modernises EU law on gender equality in a number of ways. Among other things, this report highlights Malta’s efforts to take positive action with regard to gender equality in employment. It mentions tax incentives that have been introduced with the aim of increasing the participation of women in the labour market, and the inclusion of equality measures in local collective agreements.

Indeed, one of the core beliefs of the European Union and an integral part of its legislation is equality between men and women, particularly in the sphere of employment. This directive introduces detailed definitions of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, and requires member states to create a body to promote, analyse, monitor and support equal treatment on the grounds of gender, while encouraging social dialogue.

In Malta, the relevant equality body is the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE). Central to its work, NCPE aims at raising awareness, educating and training all sectors of society in the struggle against discrimination. To this effect, it undertakes a number of initiatives aimed at reaching those very same targets highlighted by the EU Directive and Maltese legislation.

This proactive attitude is at the core of NCPE’s approach to this issue. As a matter of fact, as part of its core work, NCPE trains members of NGOs, government bodies, public and private entities, managers, employers, social partners and society at large. For example, NCPE provides training to people who register for employment with ETC and helps them understand their rights and obligations when it comes to equality in the work place and during work-interviews

NCPE also launches various EU co-funded projects, aimed not only at informing and raising awareness, but also at monitoring, researching, educating and improving the Maltese legislative and practical scenarios in regards to gender discrimination.

One such project, for example, was called “Living Equality”, which sought to monitor and identify further capacity building needs for actual implementation of gender mainstreaming in all ministries, government departments, public entities and national policy-making programmes. Another, “ESF/No. 46 The Gender Aspect from a Legal Perspective”,was aimed at increasing the participation and advancement of women in the labour market, primarily through the correction of structural barriers in Maltese legislation on the grounds of gender.

Yet, the road to eradicating gender discrimination is a long one, and much work still needs to be done to combat gender segregation and increase female participation in employment. In view of this, NCPE does not limit its efforts to raising awareness and educating. The Commission also has a complaints sub-committee that is responsible for handling the complaints of people who feel they have been discriminated against. Furthermore, the Commission may also initiate independent investigations in cases of discriminating practices in issues related to its remit.

In order to achieve true gender equality, particularly in employment, we must face and eradicate a number of barriers that mirror a reality now gone. In this effort, every sector of society has its role to play.

NCPE has launched a new ESF project, key to which is the introduction of an “Equality Mark” as an incentive for employers to truly strive for an equal work environment. Overall, the aim is that of unlocking female potential by further improving access to employment and increasing not only the sustainable participation but also the progress of women in the labour force. This can be achieved, among others, by the adoption of adequate legislation and policy measures, and an effort to reconcile work and private life.

Clint Galea

National Commission for the Promotion of Equality

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality encourages anybody who feels they have been discriminated against or who would like more information to contact Gattard House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda HMR 9010. Alternatively, information can be obtained by calling NCPE on 2590 3850, via e-mail at [email protected] or by visiting the Commission’s website www.equality.gov.mt.