Prime Minister says first step to ensure female equality is independence

A political activity organised by the Labour Party in Marsaskala focused on the government incentives aimed at creating the positive environment for more women to join the workforce while helping youths with their training and education.

According to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, women in Malta endured decades where equality was simply a promise on the paper.

“We had equality on paper but it was not practiced; discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation was rampant. We boasted about equal pay – something good – but for 20 years there was a lull in pushing equality, almost verging on lack of interest.

“If we are to be a true European country, with a Mediterranean culture, we have to give the female role a definite push.”

Muscat conceded that Malta was far away from achieving parity between women and men in politics. He argued, that to have equality there first required independence, with women able to sustain themselves and not being dependent on others.

“The free childcare service measure and the maternity leave proposal are two incentives which are helping women to join the workforce or continue with their careers. Our decision to introduce the co-ed system will also help upcoming generations understand the potential both sexes have; appointing a female President of the Republic will serve as an inspiration to girls.”

It is estimated that through the free childcare service, families who make use of these centres five hours a day will save some €10,000 over three years.

The Labour leader conceded that not everyone was keeping up with the cost of living: “I go shopping at the supermarket with my wife too and I know how much groceries cost and there are families who find it difficult to cope.”

In another fight against discrimination, the parliament will next week discuss amendments to the law where the onus to prove that no discrimination at the workplace has taken place falls on the employer – and not on the employee who raised the complaint.

One speaker after the other, including social dialogue minister Helena Dalli, candidates for the European Parliament elections Alfred Sant and Joseph Cuschieri, and ARMS Ltd CEO Carmen Ciantar, lauded measures such as the free childcare centre and the maternity leave proposal.

During his intervention, Sant reassured those gathered in Marsaskala that the government was taking action to create employment.

“As a small country, creating work was always one of the biggest challenges; in Europe, youth unemployment is rampant and therefore it is important for the government to send a strong signal of trust.

“This signal is being sent thanks to the decisions being taken. Investments are being done and this will result in economic competitiveness. Next year’s utility bills reductions for businesses will give an greater push.”

Sant argued that with increased competitiveness come new opportunities, and for this, businesses and government must think outside the box.

“In what before we saw challenges, we must see opportunities.”