Despite progress, women still face disadvantages and discrimination created by gender stereotypes in Maltese culture, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett said.
Bonett, together with Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, addressed a seminar titled 'Women and EU Funds.' The seminar focused on the role of women in Malta. It also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the challenges faced by women when applying for European funds.
The opportunities for the 2021-2027 funding period were also highlighted, with emphasis on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Programme and the existing services that facilitate access to funds from this programme.
In his speech, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett acknowledged the work done by women over the years. He mentioned that significant progress has been made in our country in the past decade, but much more needs to be done to create more opportunities and eliminate barriers.
"Despite the progress, women still face disadvantages and discrimination created by gender stereotypes in Maltese culture. That is why this government is working to bring about a change in this culture, even with the help of European funds," said Parliamentary Secretary Bonett.
He reflected on how, in January when the new EU funding package was launched, it was stressed that European funds should be used to ensure that no one is in a disadvantaged position, particularly regarding gender inequality. "Therefore, with the allocation of these funds, our country needs to see more women in the world of work, more women trained for higher-quality jobs, more women in managerial positions, and also more women starting their own businesses," added Bonett.
In her speech, Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg referred to the fact that in November of the previous year, the Government launched the first strategy and action plan on gender mainstreaming with the aim of eliminating discrimination between sexes. The strategy focuses on eight points, including the introduction of gender mainstreaming in the world of work, the health sector, and education.