“A gender-equal society would be one where the word 'gender' does not exist: where everyone can be themselves” − Gloria Steinem, American activist.

Today is Women’s International Day. It is a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women globally. The United Nation’s theme for this year is Generation Equality: Realising women’s rights. Gender-equality can only be achieved by putting an end to gender-based violence and foster economic justice and rights for all. Part of this year’s theme is also focused on technology and innovation for gender equality and feminist leadership.

As former UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon, who I had the privilege to meet a few times at the UN in New York, aptly put it, "countries with higher levels of gender equality have higher economic growth. Companies with more women on their Boards have higher returns. Peace agreements that include women are more successful. Parliaments with more women take up a wide range of issues including health, education, anti-discrimination and child support."

Sustainability

Gender inequality affects individuals, stunts economic growth and hinders development. Sustainability can only be maintained through equal economic independence for women and men. I believe that gender balance in decision-making, ending gender-based violence, closing the gender-gap and promoting gender equality are the only way forward.

Of note is the World Bank’s report on this subject. Factors that prevent women from entering the workforce, such as unequal pay, sexual harressment and juggling between home life and work, globally translates into $160trn in lost income potential. Empowerment opportunities for women to become part of the workforce are therefore extremely important for a sustainable economic future.

Progress

As a country, we have come a long way where women’s rights are concerned. Labour’s determination to close the gender gap is already bearing fruit. In the last seven years more women have joined the workforce thanks to the many incentives and empowering measures offered. Innovative job opportunities such as teleworking, flexi-hours and tax-breaks for women returning to the labour market are two examples. Another example is the scheme Int (Ibda Negozju Tiegħek) − a scheme offered by Jobsplus that provides support and advice to women who want to open their own business.

Of course, consecutive budgetary measures that are helping more women join the workforce are free childcare, the breakfast club, after-school services and the maternity leave fund. All such measures fully complement Labour's pioneering spirit for women's rights over the years.

For those women who are in the workforce, a policy formulated in recent times safeguards against harassment and bullying in the workplace. In fact, The Occupational Health and Safety Act (Cap. 424) places responsibility on employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees, including their psychological and emotional wellbeing. This policy was further extended to include harassment and bullying in work-related functions such as conferences or at social gatherings, including activities organised after work.

The way forward

A Labour government will never sit on its own historic successes. While all these incentives and measures are commendable, more needs to be done. A case in point is the minimal representation of women in Parliament and in decision-making roles. This government is addressing this problem through the formulation of a gender-parity mechanism that will increase the number of MPs in Parliament by up to 12 seats.

As an aside, the resignation from Parliament of my Gozitan colleague Dr Marthese Portelli has been a blow to us women MPs. It has further depleted the already poor representation of women in the country's highest institution. Although we had different political views, I always appreciated Marthese’s objective criticism and her genuine counter-proposals. Whatever the reasons for her resignation, we have lost a very valid person and I augur her the very best for the future.

This government’s electoral promise is to further participation of women in directorship roles, public life, government and Parliament. Proof of this is the encouraging number of women given such roles in the last few years which I augur will continue. Another electoral promise that is top priority is the Equal pay for equal work electoral promise that will eliminate disrepancies in pay for people, particularly women, who carry out the same work. 

The fourth industrial revolution

It is my firm belief that gender equality can only be attained through tough political decisions, hard work and a strong civil society. Creating more jobs for women however, is not enough. A change in society’s mindset also needs to be addressed. Here, the media can play a very important role by raising the gender issue in the public debate. This, in turn, will help in the formation of more inclusive values that are non-discriminatory in society at large.

We are now living the digital era − the fouth industrial revolution. The fast-paced developments in global connectivity, artificial intelligence and robotics are radically reshaping our economies. Our duty is to make sure that future generations are adequately equipped to thrive in this environment and in so doing, we must eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

Miriam Pace

As a politician and mother of two, I cannot but comment on the sad demise of Miriam Pace last Monday. It is unacceptable that a person was denied the right to live in peace in her own house. It is evident that there is gross neglect in the construction industry and all those involved in the sector need to toe the line.

No words can console the victim’s relatives and God forbid that such a shocking loss is forgotten. Whoever was responsible needs to be brought to justice. More importantly, all those concerned must realise that greed cannot dominate over people’s well-being. As the Prime Minister rightly said, “the weight of the industry will not be shouldered by the small, we shouldn’t be placing people in a situation where they don’t feel safe in their own home”.

I augur that this year’s International Women’s Day will bring us closer to the dream of gender equality. As the civil rights activist G. D. Anderson says: "Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength."