Today, Maltese women can consider themselves in a better position as a result of gender equality legislation which has made remarkable changes, although relevant practical measures are still an uphill struggle. Indeed, the past century has witnessed incredible improvements to women's economic, political and social situations, with the past 50 years experiencing the most salient changes of all. In Malta, this is primarily thanks to the initiatives carried out by the National Council of Women, which this year celebrates its first half century of action.

It was in 1964 when the NCW was set up in Malta, initially by a group of women, a discreetly militant movement as was necessary at the time, composed of women with active social welfare experience and with leading women who, although from a higher strata of society, were all fuelled by the determination and will to act as a pressure group for basic rights and conditions that women of all social conditions desperately needed in those times. In its dual objectives - education and policy development, NCW has moved with the times and was always proactive in policy formulation with government, employers, Trade Unions and its affiliated organisations to ensure the socio-economic advancement of women.

In a society which still considered that women’s place is in the home, the situation of women in the public service was much more difficult; women did not enjoy the right to an equal pay as their male counterparts and could only receive 3/4 of what men earned. It was in 1971 that salaries and wages in the public sector reached parity.  In 1993 the Family Bill recognised the concept of equality between spouses as regards parental and property rights and in 1991 when Malta ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women.  

Another milestone was Malta’s EU membership in 2004. NCW played a leading role in its campaign for EU membership with the collaboration of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) on matters of gender equality, in fields in which Maltese women excelled through their academic qualifications and expertise. In the same year, Vice-President Grace Attard was appointed member of the European Economic and Social Committee, while General Secretary Doris Bingley has been elected President of the European Centre of the International Council of Women

Whilst the first years were intent on making vital changes that meant better laws and conditions, things eventually began to improve considerably. Grace Attard presently one of the three vice presidents at NCW and previously a president herself, explains, “At the time when Malta was preparing to enter the EU, we realised that it was time to move into the next phase, where we needed to address gender equality rather than women's rights since the most fundamental of these were already well in place within Maltese laws. Taking  a different perspective to the issue of women's advancement, meant we were still working towards further improvement in women's conditions, while  exposing  family-related issues from a male and female perspective, since these are of benefit to both and to society at large.”

Mary Gaerty, current President of the NCW says, “There are several key milestones we as NCW have contributed to over the years. As a pressure group,  issues lobbied for have been wide and varied, and ranged from , equal pay within the civil service; the provision of pensions for widows and allowances for orphans;  the setting up of childcare services, legislation for Maltese women to retain their Maltese citizenship even when married to foreigners and many others . Today, we still work towards eliminating abuse, violence and discrimination against women, increasing the participation of women within the work force and at higher decision-making levels. As a pressure group, NCW participates actively at European and International level whilst locally it networks with over 33 affiliated women’s organisations and committees of women’s rights within unions etc This healthy interchange aids in the sharing of experiences on the role of women in specific sectors such as the environment, energy, the economy, entrepreneurship, politics and  decision-making

NCW always insisted on promoting education. For this reason, the NCW fosters key educational sectors – health, social issues, environmental issues, music and business. Regular Lifelong Learning programs are held at the NCW offices in Blata l-Bajda, where both men and women take courses in languages, maths and business start-up courses. NCW is one of the leading Centres of Learning in the field of Information Technology. Honorary General Secretary Doris Bingley specifies the varied roles taken on by NCW in this regard, especially now that the Council is approaching an intense week of anniversary celebrations.

“For this 50th anniversary, we are inviting women from Women's Councils around the world. NCW will host the International Council of Women which comprises the European, Pacific, Asian, South American and African Women's Councils for an international Conference, which is the highlight of the anniversary events”

Indeed the week which comes to an end on May 4th will include a concert of baroque music; a photographic exhibition showing women in 100 years of Maltese society; a visit by the Prime Minister, a visit by the King of the Ashanti tribe in Ghana along with a number of mothers from within this tribe, a visit to Gozitan female artisans, an open seminar and a gala dinner during which the ex First Lady Mrs Margaret Abela will be presented with an Honorary membership. This will be truly a memorable experience for us all, especially in our interchange with so many foreign representatives - a fantastic way to celebrate 50 years of so much work."

Those wishing to have more information regarding the conference: Caring for Women is Caring for the World - International Council of Women & European Centre of the International Council of Women may contact the NCW on 21 248 881 or  email [email protected]

For more information on the NCW and further activities linked to the 50th Anniversary: http://www.ncwmalta.com