The government wants to introduce a ‘miscarriage leave’, which would allow for a “special leave for couples who undergo such hard and sensitive times”, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during a discussion organised by the Labour Party on Sunday with the theme of challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities.

Abela added that a discussion will be taking place for this proposal, which he described as a “strong initiative” which will make a big difference.

Abela said that one of the main achievements of the government in the last 12 years is that it has managed to increase the rate of women’s participation in the world of work by from 44% to 74%. He also spoke of how the government raised the paternity leave for the second parent from one day to ten days, as he said that such social measures cultivate real improvements.

There is still more to do despite initiatives such as the parliament mechanism introduced to remedy disproportionality in representation between men and women, Abela commented.

The Prime Minister said that Malta has managed to move forward significantly and make big strides in overcoming stereotypes, particularly when compared to the times when women were expected to be subservient to their husbands. Abela remarked that this all changed, and added that he believes the big jump took place in 2013 “when we gave economic independence”.

Abela continued that Malta is a country which is proud to have equal participation between men and women in the highest careers of the country, including that of the judiciary and the government.

“I see so many good people who are prepared to come together to face such challenges... The Labour Party values equality, and I am happy to see strong participation in panels such as this, with each panellist having a story of success behind them,” Abela commented.

The Prime Minister stated that the government is working to establish an ever-more equal and just society. He also said that Malta embraces the value of peace and neutrality, as he spoke of the country having made a clear decision this week in favour of strengthening Malta’s neutrality. “Our country chose to set aside a decision which was going to or will be taken in favour of participating in the production of arms and investment into arms… Our decision was to remain committed to improving people’s quality of life,” he stated.

Speaking again about the issue of inequality and stereotypes, Abela said that there are still discrepancies in the pay received by men and women throughout their work-life. He added that the PL finds solutions because it is not afraid to discuss challenges.

Abela commented that he sees a united society which is determined and focused on discussing matters which work towards equality and the combatting of social discrimination.

“We work together so that we find a solution for every challenge,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Lydia Abela also spoke during the event, as she expressed that the strongest medicine to the silencing of women’s voices are women themselves. She said that daughters should be taught that they have strength and values in their nature which cannot be taken from them, and that they have a voice which they can use and trust.

She continued that the race towards progress needs to be accelerated, and that this can be achieved through education. “It is important that men are also included in the effort towards progress and equality,” she added, as she remarked that men should also be able to make use of the paternity leave.

“When men and women are equal, society as a whole moves forward,” she said, adding that men and women should both be able to make use of their opportunities and reach their aspirations.

Liliana Camilleri, one of the panellists during the event, said that the woman always forms part of the nucleus of work. She said that she is used to work being part of life, remarking that it’s “almost as if you cannot exist without having work to do”.

“I cannot understand how there are people who feel that there is no need for them to be part of the working world. It’s important to take the chances that we have,” Camilleri commented. She also spoke about the benefits of childcare centres for the children themselves, with children having the opportunity to learn and develop at the centres.

Alexia Spiteri, a social worker and human resources manager at Wasteserv, spoke about how gender is not considered for any position during Wasteserv’s hiring process. She also spoke of the benefits of having flexible working conditions for people with family commitments, such as having to take their kids to and from school during workdays.

The third panellist, Charmaine Mangion, the owner of a childcare provider in Malta, spoke of the importance of the childcare sector. She said that she has seen the childcare sector change not only because it has grown, but because there has also been a change in mentality.

Mangion remarked that before, when women had children, it was almost an automatic decision that they had to stay home and take care of the children, but she said that now women have the choice to have their own career. “The greatest benefit of the free childcare scheme is that it offered the option for choice,” she stated.

She said that childcare centres are a place where children can go to realise their potential. Mangion stated that childcare centres should not be associated with babysitting, and she added that nowadays childcare centres are also no longer associated with women, as there has been greater involvement from fathers as well.

Mangion commented that women are now contributing in an absolute way to the economy, with more women being in positions entrusted to make decisions.

She said that skills do not have gender, and added that both genders are individual, with each individual being different.