UHM marks International Women’s Day, calls for family-friendly measures

In its statement, the UHM recalled the first rally organised in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911. “To date, the IWD is celebrated worldwide to commemorate women’s contribution towards society, politics and the economy. Women’s participation has always been crucial, mainly by traditionally adopting a backbone position for the family, at the workplace and in leadership,” the Union said.

“This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility we have to eradicate inequality between the sexes. In times of political turbulence such as the unrest in the Middle East, we must keep in mind that peace and safety cannot be reached without the full participation of women.”

The UHM said Maltese women have gained several social rights and with the help of trade unions they have also gained rights at their workplace: “Women have successfully managed to claim as their own jobs which were traditionally considered as fit for a man. So much so, that nowadays we talk more about granting everyone the equal right for an adequate job rather than differentiate between males and females.”

However, the union said, notwithstanding recent advancements in education, women still find it difficult to find jobs or continue with their jobs once they start building a family.

“The impact of these obstacles does not only hinder women, but weakens the fabric of society,” it said.

The UHM argued that such barriers should be demolished through measures aimed at strengthening female participation in the workforce: “We reiterate the importance of family-friendly measures, both for women and men, to help balance out family and work life.

“The Union believes that such measures would give opportunities to women to work whilst taking care of their family with the help of their partner. Female participation should not be considered as a challenge, but as an added value to society.”