In reply to Bernadette Aquilina’s letter entitled “Directory of segregation” (TMIS, 30March), the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) clarifies that the scope of developing a Directory of Professional Women is to address the distortion in the representation of men and women in decision-making positions and in boardrooms.

A recent study by the European Commission published in March 2014 shows that 60% of the university graduates are women. Yet, women are still under represented in the EU corporate sector. At just 2.1%, Malta has placed last among the 28 members of the European Union according to the average share of women in decision-making positions. Moreover, a study carried out by the National Statistics Office (2012) shows that 78.5% of legislators, senior officials and managers in Malta are men.

It is with this in mind that the Directory of Professional Women shall be used as a positive initiative to address the significant under-representation of women. The scope of the directory is to give visibility to professional women and their competences in the various fields in order that they may be considered for appointment on boards, committees, representations or any other decision-making positions. This initiative shall also strengthen gender equality in both public and private sectors. The Directory is being developed in line with government policy.

Renee Laiviera

NCPE Commissioner