NCPE launches mentoring programme

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) has organised a briefing session to launch the mentoring programme which is being funded from the European Social Fund

“This programme aims to address the gender distortion in the labour market, but more specifically in decision-making positions. It seeks to provide women aspiring to hold leadership positions with the opportunity to be mentored by professionals who occupy high-level jobs to further empower mentees to participate in decision-making positions,” the NCPE said.

Commissioner, Renee Laiviera highlighted the positive response to the call for applications for mentors and mentees, with the NCPE receiving 198 applications; 138 applications for the role of mentor and 60 applications for the role of mentee.

Laiviera acknowledged the interest shown in this programme and said that it “demonstrates women’s commitment to occupy decision-making positions in the areas of politics, management, NGOs/civil society, business, health, and education among other areas.”

“Moreover, it also shows the commitment and dedication of professionals willing to pass on their knowledge and expertise was also recognised’” she added.

NCPE’s senior projects executive, Annalise Frantz and the mentoring programme promoter, Kathleen Sammut provided information on how the mentor-mentee relationship should work and what would be required from both mentors and mentees to achieve optimal results. Mentors and mentees were introduced to one another during the session.

The second part of the event focused on the theme of women in decision-making roles and the environment.

“This theme is one of the 12 critical areas of concern identified in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted by global leaders at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995,” the NCPE said.

Anna Spiteri said that in the environmental professional, women are often not equal participants in the management of financial and corporate institutions whose decision-making most significantly affects environmental quality and they are often under-represented in formal institutions.

Spiteri stressed the importance of the environmental responsibilities of women in decision-making positions, specifically the obligation to safeguard the green and urban environment we live in.

The minster for social dialogue, consumer affairs and civil liberties, Helena Dalli, reiterated women’s meaningful participation in all spheres of society .

“The representation of women and men in decision-making positions contributes to enhance diversity in leadership and to further safeguard gender equality,” Dalli said.

 The Minister further stressed the importance of using the untapped potential of women whilst combating discrimination and sustaining diversity in economic, political and democratic growth.