The unequal half : the underused female potential in Malta

Abstract

The Unequal Half: the underused female potential in Malta is another important tool for policy makers as it traces the development of gender development and participation in our country, as a country experiencing economic and social transformation. The transitions we are facing are the emerging realities of a changing world, of globalisation, of the digital revolution and the subsequent corollaries of an enhanced quality of life. Another transformation we are experiencing is partly the process of modernisation and secularisation as well as being intrinsically linked with the increased access to education and social welfare services. The beneficiaries of this undertaking have by and large been women, who justifiably and thankfully are being accorded their dignified platform for action and participation. In so happening, our whole Maltese society is enriching itself with more and better ways of achieving prosperity and growth. The Commission for the Advancement of Women has been commissioning a number of studies for the past two years. Together with the preceding ones, this study is another cog in the strategy for grounded policy-making-a strategy which has enabled us to target our actions in the right direction, providing assistance in concrete terms and directly to where it is sorely needed. Research was also critical for the drafting of the Gender Equality Legislation White Paper which my Government issued, as well as the Employment Legislation which will be enacted later on this year. Together, these two legislative instruments will redress gender imbalances and provide for equality of treatment and opportunity for both women and men. May I thank the Commission for the Advancement of Women for once again venturing to provide Maltese society with such a seminal tool for our society. This research contribution will continue to build the scenario for proper actions to be taken in an effort to create a better society, built on prosperity, solidarity and social inclusion.