Factors affecting women’s formal participation in the Malta labour market : results of a research project

Abstract

With a female participation rate hovering at around 33%, Malta ranks lowest on this score amongst all 28 EU member states, accession states and candidate countries. Women's share of total employment remains a low 29%, while local female self-employment is also very low, standing at only 5%. This persisting state of affairs has been recognized and addressed in a number of policy documents and research studies over recent years. However, it is generally assumed that women may be lured to participate in the Malta labour market by means of suitable support measures. These include: the introduction of affordable quality child care; the availability of flexible working arrangements; protection of rights of workers who work part-time as their prinCipal employment, most of whom are women; the introduction of parental leave, longer maternity leave and responsibility breaks; the identification of 'women returners' as a specific client category by the Employment & Training Corporation (ETC); and the provision of redress for sexual discrimination in such matters as career progression. Admittedly, these are all positive measures intended to facilitate the incorporation and retention of women in the labour force; they will no doubt have some effect towards this end.