onal Council of Women he Nati - Malta r of t ette wsl Ne
NCW Members at the US Embassy Ta Qali The audience attending the Conference on The Unborn Child
Women and Climate Change Seminar Env. Committee NCW AMIE Delegation with Dr. Joanna Drake at The with the Speakers Square Brussels
Participants during the Women & Climate Change seminar
NCW stand during the TIC TAC Conference networking market
No. 90 January - March 2013 Published Quarterly 2 January - March 2013
Members of
Kunsill Nazzjonali tan-Nisa International Council Pope Pius XII Flats, Mountbatten Street of Women Blata l-Bajda HMR 1579, MALTA Founded 1888 Tel: 21 248 881/21 Tel/Fax: 21 246 982 E-mail: [email protected] Motto: “Do unto others as ye would http://www.ncwmalta.com that they should do unto you.” AGM and Agenda - Annual General Meeting 26 January 2013 AGENDA: European Centre of the The Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 26 January 2013 at The International Council of Victoria Hotel at the newly refurbished William Shakespeare Hall, (complimentary Women parking at the Hotel car park) with the following agenda: Founded 1961 1. 8.30 Registration 2. 9.00 Opening prayers, Welcome and Notices. In Special Consultative Nomination of Tellers Status with the Economic & 3. 9.15 Minutes of the last General Meeting. Social Council of the UN. 4. 9.25 President’s Address. Executive Committee Members – 2012 5. 9.35 Annual Report by General Secretary 6. 9.50 Financial Report by Treasurer. 7. 10.00 Election of Vice-Presidents, Officers and Members of the Executive President Mrs. Mary Gaerty st 8. 10.30 Coffee Break 1 Vice President Mrs. Grace Attard MQR 9. 11.00 Reports of Standing and Sectional Committees Vice President Ms. Pauline Azzoppardi 10. 11.45 Results of Election B.Sc.(Hons), A.C.I.I., PFS (Cert.) Chartered Insurance 11. 11.55 Reaffirmation of Policy Vice President Ms. Nadia Anna Mangion a) Engaging youths in the elimination of domestic violence Hon Gen. Secretary Doris Bingley b) Women’s representation in local councils and parliament c) Addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy Hon. Treasurer Therese Cassola d) Improving measures regarding refugee status to asylum seekers Members 12. 12.15 Adoption of Resolutions. (5 mins each) Dr. Roselyn Borg B.A.LL.M (De Mont) LL.D 1. National Framework for the setting up Social Enterprise Ms Evelyn Vella Brincat 2. Follow up of the EU Year of Active Ageing and Intergenerational Ms Maria Stivala Cooperation 3. The EU Year of Citizens Ms Judith Debono 4. Active Labour Market Policies – addressing youth unemployment Ms Doreen Micallef Dip MLS, BSc, MIBMS, PGCE and prospects for older workers Ms Priscilla Muscat B.Psy(Hons),M.Sc.Psy (Stirling) 5. Women and Climate Change 6. Gender balance in ICT, Research and Technology – increase the Ms Diane Xuereb B.Psy(Hons) Dip HRM Dip participation of women in these specialist skills Ms Maryrose Zahra 7. Stop the violence against girls and young women (Malta Girl Ms Helga Ellul MQR Guides) Dr. Mercedes Schembri Wismayer M.D. 8. Normalising Childbirth and Breastfeeding (Malta Midwives Association) Legal Advisor Claudine Zarb LL.D 9. Legislation for Beauticians ( Beauty Therapists Association) Office Secretary Marie Demicoli 10. Women Asylum Seekers – Dignity and Work (Emigrants Commission) 11. More Education about Gender Equality(Malta PSD Association) 13. 13.15 Correspondence. ICW, ECICW Office Hours 14. 13.20 Other Matters Monday to Friday: 9.00 - 13.30 15. 13.30 Concluding Address by President End of AGM - L U N C H Membership Subscription Rates New individual The full text of the resolutions will be available at the AGM. membership €14.50 The following are the posts on the Executive Committee to be filled by elections Annual renewal €12.00 • 3 Vice Presidents, • General Secretary, • Treasurer, • 3 Affiliated Organisations €20.00 Executive members Associated Organisations €20.00 All members and affiliated organisations are urged to attend. As only paid up Life membership €95.00 members are entitled to vote, subscriptions should be renewed during the month Members and affiliated organisations of January or paid before the start of the AGM. are requested to keep their subscription Doris Bingley, fees up to date. Hon. General Secretary , NCW January - March 2013 3
President’s Message
Dear friends, dear ladies, where we discussed the new EU Directive regarding nother year is combating human trafficking and the support of gradually coming to the victims. It was concluded that in the countries Aan end, a year that with economic strife, trafficking of women for for me has meant an increase sexual exploitation has grown to immense in my workload, experiences proportions , with women trafficked from equally as the president of NCW, financially stricken countries, such as Hungary new acquaintances and new and Poland. Lack of skills and education play the friends. The work at NCW major role in a girl and woman’s poverty level and is forever increasing and I work opportunities, perhaps with the risk of being cannot but say thank you to trafficked. This does not exclude also trafficking the great, hardworking team. of men for sexual exploitation and trafficking of In recent months the media put a spotlight on children for human organs women, mainly due to the recent violence against The Bill for the Protection of Human Embryos women, the looming elections and therefore the cleared at Parliamentary Committee stage, debate why women are not present in parliament followed by a positive vote in Parliament augurs and politics, in the labour market, discussing the well, so that finally we have a law regulating this increase of working women, albeit many of them in delicate issue, at the same time as the Bill itself jobs that suit their family requirements and women implies, the protection of the embryo. It is shocking on boards and in decision making positions. to know that there are thousands of embryos in It was immensely gratifying to meet over a frozen state, many of them orphaned, as their fifty young women at a speed mentoring session parents do not want them any more and hence held at the American embassy in Ta Qali. Their they remain in such a state until they are adopted, intelligence, high level of education, enthusiasm destroyed or used in research. What a waste of and healthy ambition to follow a career and reach life! I cannot but recall at this stage a recent a high position in their chosen field of work, was conversation about the rights of the unborn child quite remarkable. In each group I met however, and the right to abort , since in many countries, one question was always raised, how does a woman the right to terminate life belongs to the woman, reconcile work with the family and will she balance since the unborn child is not considered a human out both important aspects. My answer to that was being in its own right. This mindset is none other always to prioritise about what’s most important than destructive towards life itself as what is the at that particular time, based on values and level basis of a human right, but none other than the of importance. right tolife itself. Some things can wait, others cannot! The December brings with it the lovely smells of financial situation has not eased up at all in Christmas cakes and mince pies and families several European countries and this is causing celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Let’s bring hardships to thousands of families , but with a back the true Christmas spirit in our lives, the spirit larger impact on women. This factor was the of peace! We wish you all a Happy New Year. basis of the recent meeting held in Sofia, Bulgaria,
Contents
AGM Agenda ...... Page 2 President’s Message...... Page 3 AMIE Project...... Page 4 Embryo Protection legislation...... Page 5 Association for Consumer Rights ...... Page 6 Women and Climate Change Seminar ...... Page 7 ARETUSA NEWS...... Page 8/9 Óajja ta’ Kwalita’ g˙at-Tarbija li se Titwieled...... Page 10 Anna Lindh Foundation Meeting in Casablanca...... Page 11 EESC News ...... Page 12 50/50 Declaration for parity in institutions after 2014...... Page 13 CEV Conference ...... Page 14 Diary of Events...... Page 15 Forthcoming Events...... Page 16 4 January - March 2013
AMIE Project Teachers’ Workshop - Building the Value of Enterpreneurial Skills 23 October 2012
he National Council of Women potential of each student individually organised a three-hour workshop so that new entrants to the labour Tentitled “Building the Value of market would be well equipped with Entrepreneurial Skills” on Tuesday 23 employability skills. The development October 2012 at the National Curriculum of an entrepreneurship culture within Centre, Hamrun. This event was facilitated the educational system at all levels and by Dr Katie Birch from Reach Beyond the creation of increased awareness on Malta, one of the partners on the AMIE entrepreneurship education as a career Project. NCW Hon. General Secretary was also included. Doris Bingley and Ms Marie Demicoli Dr Birch advised that follow up represented NCW on the day. groups showed that there appears to be and further contact with the relevant Dr Birch presented methods on an enthusiasm and understanding of people is strongly recommended to inclusion and ways of encouraging the need for entrepreneurship to form maintain the motivation of the education students to consider entrepreneurship a key part of the curriculum; this was department. as an option for their future. A good reflected in the discussions and individual NCW has worked intensively for number of Education Officers, Heads of comments to Dr Birch. An education two years together with Foundation for Department for PSD, Social Studies, Home officer and head of school at the end Women Entrepreneurs, Reach Beyond, Economics, Business Studies, European of the workshop requested in-service the Malta Business Bureau and the Malta Studies and Careers Councillors attended. training for teachers to better implement Association of Women in Business. This Ms Josephine Vassallo, Assistant Director entrepreneurship in the curriculum. workshop brought together the most Curriculum Management & eLearning Education for entrepreneurship is important stakeholders of the AMIE at the Directorate for Quality and one of the cross-curricular themes being Project for the last time – teachers - who Standards in Education, a key person proposed for implementation in the have to drive our message home to our in bringing together the participants new National Curriculum Framework. future generation. Our thanks also go for this workshop, was present during In the analysis report, issued by the to all the AMIE Ambassadors, amongst the first part of the event. After a brief Directorate of Quality and Standards in them our President Ms Mary Gaerty and introduction, the participants had Education in the Ministry of Education Jeanette Borg NCW member; who we hope an opportunity to explore what they and Employment last August; 95.8% of are now considered as role models by the considered to be the important aspects all respondents agreed or strongly agreed young girls they came into contact with of entrepreneurship and the relevant that entrepreneurial skills should be an during school visits by encouraging them skills that could be incorporated into intrinsic aspect of the curriculum. This to consider entrepreneurship as an option their individual syllabi. Group sessions report further stated that entrepreneurship for their future. followed which provoked discussion on skills programmes should be included in ideas on the subject. Primary and Secondary schools and the Nadya Anne Mangion The feedback from the workshop education system should develop the full AMIE Project Coordinator NCW Women’s Enterpreneurship Makes Business Sense
ive representatives of the National that entrepreneurs are indispensable Council of Women Malta, the to Europe’s economic growth, FPresident Mary Gaerty, the Hon. employment and prosperity. General Secretary Doris Bingley, Vice Women entrepreneurs represent President Nadyanne Mangion, and the biggest untapped potential for NCW members Jeanette Borg and Marie entrepreneurship in Europe. The Demicoli attended the European SME creative and entrepreneurial potential Summit 2012. The SME week included of women is a latent source of economic among others a number of networking growth and new jobs and should be sessions on creative industry, education encouraged. and social services, financing, high In her welcome address Dr Joanna technology and innovation, professional Drake spoke about two success stories. As a follow-up to its ongoing services (including consulting), tourism She said that entrepreneurship allows initiatives on female entrepreneurship, and travel. flexible working hours although it the European Commission is currently The summit which was attended means particularly at the beginning preparing an Entrepreneurship Action by over 700 delegates, was a great long working hours. The European Plan for 2020.The summit continued opportunity for networking and Commission is working hard to support with parallel workshops entitled:1. promoting female entrepreneurship. The female entrepreneurship in Europe. In Entrepreneurship Education and opening plenary session Dr addressed these difficult economic times female Women Entrepreneurs. 2. Women by Androulla Vassiliou, European entrepreneurship represents a ray of Entrepreneurs with a Migrant Commissioner for Education, Culture, sunshine and hope for the future of Background. 3. Access to finance for Multilingualism and Youth, Yannis Europe. Moreover Dr. Drake said that women Entrepreneurs. 4. Women in Kontos, Director of Commerce, Industry Member States and the EU Commission Technology-based business. Women’s and Tourism, Cyprus and Joanna Drake, need to join forces and come up with entrepreneurial potential is a very much Director SME & Entrepreneurship, a concrete plan on how to encourage underexploited source of economic European Commission DG Enterprise and support female entrepreneurship growth and new jobs. The fact that and Industry. event further. women account for only 34.4% of the Androuella Vassiliou emphasized January - March 2013 5 self-employed in Europe suggests that women’s specific needs. Concerns faced opportunities. Women tend to develop they need more encouragement to by potential women entrepreneurs their businesses at a slower rate, often become entrepreneurs. include: greater difficulty accessing if their family situation allows them The overall outcome of this summit financing, professional networks to work long hours; however research is that European women are as well- and training and a possible lack of shows that enterprises run by women educated as men, however only a few confidence due to the absence of have a higher rate of success than decide to set up a company following appropriate role models. Women men’s. Women, therefore require their graduation. Lack of take-up can also tend to be cautious and take tailor-made support measures, which partly be explained by difficulties they more calculated risks, and to focus are different from the traditionally encounter in reconciling private and on creating companies in familiar male support measures when setting professional activities. In addition, areas and for which they can benefit up their businesses. existing business set-up support from family support. They can fail Doris Bingley systems are not always tailored to to take full advantage of networking and Marie Demicoli Clarifying Misconceptions on Embryo Protection Legislation (NCW November 2012 Press Release)
he National Council of Women safeguard this ethical concept. One of deplores the mixed messages its most crucial roles is to ensure ethical Tthat are being made public on standards are kept by all medical the media on the proposed legislation practitioners. It is in the interest of on the Protection of Embryos, in all such practitioners, to provide particular now that it is in its final information to the Authority ( data stages before Parliament. The title of collection) , including an outline of the Act focuses directly and specifically the case history ,without divulging the does the embryo belong? Who will be on the protection of embryos and it is identity of the couple, thus respecting responsible in the absence of a father, in this context that the debate should and protecting their privacy as is other relatives? How will decisions on be directed. normal practice in all medical (and adoption be taken? These issues need It is ethically irresponsible that such other) professions. to be addressed by parents, relatives a sensitive issue is being dramatised in The medical practitioner has in conjunction with the Authority only this manner playing upon people’s the responsibility before the law to if necessary. It is in situations such emotions and at the same time also protect his/her integrity as a as these that the embryo needs to be creating confusion in people’s minds, professional according to legislation. If treated as a human being and not just who as expected are not familiar with this information has not been collected as an object to be decided upon by the implications of the importance of a so far, because there was no regulation an Authority that has not family ties legislation that will realistically protect in place, who can guarantee that there with the embryo. Will these issues be embryos and that will make sure that was no abuse! Is there any data to covered and the rights of the embryo as much as is humanly possible no prove statements such as these that safeguarded by legislation on the rights loopholes are left, which can give are being made, giving the impression of the child, which stipulate that the rise to abuse. This certainly does not that everything was or would be fine! child’s interests come first. mean that the proposed legislation is Moreover, There is no reason at all for The last but not least is the issue ignoring important aspects such as the couples to go before the said Authority of fines for breaking the law. These dignity of couples who are genuinely to ‘get permission’ if the process goes are not meant to give the impression seeking this type of IVF treatment. through the medical practitioner in of criminalising couples. Again this is At the same time one cannot ignore consultation with the parents. a very unethical approach that would the fact that there can be abuse from In the case of post natal visits in create unnecessary fear. It is another other sources. hospital, relevant medical information example of using the media to play The public debate raises issues on might need to be provided in certain upon people’s emotions. There are so the number of eggs to be implanted, situations where the health of both many instances in our laws where such which again should be directed to the mother and the child is at risk or fines are meant as a deterrent, that reducing the health risks of the mother where there is the need for a particular is as a ‘preventive’ measure, which and the unborn child. Raising the treatment, however such decisions can however does not exclude taking number of eggs to be implanted from made by the couple in consultation action if the law is violated – we are two to three in treatment of women with their medical practitioner. There is dealing with human life! over 40 years or other identified also the need to clarify the composition It is vital at this stage that Malta difficulties should reach agreement. of the Authority to ensure it is made up has a strong legislative framework, that The debate on the role of the Embryo of experts on this form of IVF treatment all parties reach consensus , including Protection Authority has also served in the medical field, experts in ethics, political parties as the decision- to create misconceptions. This does psychologists and other paramedics makers. This is not an issue that should not mean that it in any way it should if necessary. Its functions should be be politicised. Responsible and mature interfere in the relationship between twofold - regulatory and support to all decisions should ensure that the the medical professional and the parties involved. proposed legislation for the protection parents; however, its regulatory role There are other ethical issues to of embryos is not weakened as this can cannot be strangled to such an extent be considered in the cases of force have far reaching consequences. that it cannot regulate at all. majeur such as the death of a mother There is certainly the need to while undergoing treatment. How Grace Attard, redefine the working methods rather are the rights of the father to be NCW Vice-President, than the role of the Authority to respected in such cases. To whom Member of the EESC 6 January - March 2013
Meeting for members and friends of the Association for Consumer Rights (ACR)
he first meeting of the Association spoke about the Consultation for Consumer Rights brought document published by the Consumers Association Talk at NCW Ttogether members and friends M C C A A o n C o n s u m e r in what turned out to be a lively and Education. General Secretary, interactive session during which a Grace Attard informed the number of consumer affairs issues were participants that the Association raised and discussed. worked on the consultation Mr Stefan Xuereb, President of document which was then the Association opened the meeting submitted to the Authority. explaining the main objectives of the The importance of consumer Association including identifying and education on the curriculum for addressing complaints in every day life, all ages, including also through setting up a telephone line system to Lifelong Learning programmes assist members and the general public was also discussed. Financial on a variety of issues, keeping members Literacy education, in particular in At the end of the meeting, light informed through electronic means view of the Pensions Reform was also refreshments were served during which on developments in EU Consumer highlighted. Pauline Azzopardi, ACR time participants made proposals on legislation among others. Executive Committee member, who topics to be discussed in future talks. The Association has also initiated is an expert in this field, is currently ACR welcomed the suggestion that a series of information and education sitting on the Committee responsible these talks will take place on a monthly talks with the expert help of Ms Joyce for the formulation of a Strategy on basis. Borg Director MCCSS. During the first Financial Literacy within the newly Grace Attard, talk, Ms Borg gave an overview of the set-up relevant Commission. ACR General Secretary basic consumer rights. Ms Borg also American Embassy Conference 20 Points for Good Female Leadership
toughen up. You cannot make he U.S. Embassy and everybody happy. People make the National Council of their own happiness. TWomen organised a talk 10. You cannot be friends with by Dr Mary M. Dwyer, Ph.D. your people. The best you on Wednesday, November 14, can expect is respect. 2012 at the U.S. Embassy in 11. Work hard and work Ta’ Qali. Dr Dwyer discussed smart. women’s leadership and gender 12. Think strategically and issues. Dr Dwyer is President long-term. and CEO of IES Abroad, the 13. Participate in and exploit Institute for the International organisational governance Education of Students, one of to get results. the USA’s oldest, largest and 14. Persist, persist, and persist. most academically reputable not 15. Do not expect to be the 3. Be clear in the expectations, for profit study abroad program beneficiary of change. rewards and accountability. Never providers for US college and university 16. Empower others and give them full make promises. students. Dr Dwyer is also active in credit for their work. 4. Give and request feedback. multiple national efforts to advance 17. Achieve balance in work/life. 5. Allow your people speak first – international education policy and 18. Help others. this makes the goals belong to practice. The following is her advice to 19. Do not avoid conflict – some level the speaker. women when considering a leadership of conflict is healthy. 6. Always question status-quo. position. 20. Maintain a sense of humour. 1. Have a vision of your 7. Take risks – well-informed risks. This increases resilience. organisation. Nadyanne Mangion, 8. Learn how organisations really 2. Have your people participate in NCW Vice President the goal setting. work – read up on this. 9. Expect resistance to change and January - March 2013 7 Women and Climate Change Seminar Organised by the Environment Committee
ensure that this generation hands over an important role too. Unfortunately, to future generations an environment traditional ways of using water in tune that is self- sufficient. Dr. Simone Borg with our climate have changed due to Ambassador for Climate Change gave the use of borehole water. Veggies and the keynote speech. fruits are made of more than 98% water. She explained the importance of People were wiser before they used to Minister Pullicino and Dr. Simone the National Strategy of Adaptation plant trees and plants that need less Borg with Evelyn Vella Brincat to Climate Change. She said that water such as olives, carobs and figs, and Environment committee in the European Region, climate base their diets on crops that require less coordinator during the seminar –related extreme weather events are water. Ms Borg also said that farmers Women & Climate Change increasing exponentially, which arouses have learnt how to reduce fertilisers and concern. The human cost of these sprays and sometimes do without them he NCW Environment Committee climatic events directly depends on the completely. Farmers are more aware of organised a seminar entitled vulnerability of the people exposed. the consequences of chemicals on nature T“Women and Climate Change” Social and environmental determinants and health. on Friday 9th November 2012 at Dar of health, such as poverty, support Mr. Joseph Debono a member of l-Ewropa. Valletta. The Hon. George systems, concurrent environmental the Learning and Development team in Pullicino Minister for Resources and stresses (including polluted water, HSBC Malta and also an HSBC Climate Rural Affairs opened the seminar. unprotected waste disposal or polluted Champion gave a very vivid description The Minister said that the priority is air) and displacement, all contribute to of his involvement in environmental to continue to be directed towards population vulnerability. These direct activities. Participants could enjoy his adaptation policy and implementation and indirect exposures can result in a hands-on experience in Oxford UK and measures that Malta requires to variety of health impacts. Jeanette Borg Skaftafell Iceland. The seminar was undertake to secure sustainability of gave a very interesting presentation chaired by Mrs Evelyn Vella Brincat its environment irrespective of whether entitled,” Food & Climate Change” She Environment Committee Coordinator projected climate change behaviour said that climate is a key factor in the and the seminar was sponsored by does materialise. The state of the production of tasty fruits and vegetables. the Ministry for Resources and Rural environment has become one of the Maltese soils have a slightly high pH. Affairs. top policy issues, it is a national and This can be negative to some plant personal obligation that every effort is species but beneficial to others such Marie Demicoli, done to protect the environment and as vines. Water management plays Environment Committee Rapporteur Round Table on Female Employment and Economic Growth organized by the Swedish Ambassador to Malta
lla Gudmundson, at employment of women Ambassador of Sweden Hon Chris Said H.E. Ulla Gudmundson from a wider perspective: she Uto Malta on Friday 9 Ambassador of Sweden to Malta highlighted three concepts that November 2012 at the Green Grace Attard NCW and Round Table should motivate government, Lounge of the Phoenicia Hotel participants during the presentation stakeholders, employers and Floriana. The introductory Trade unions and NGOs in their speech by the Hon Chris Said respective areas: Innovation, Minister of Justice, Dialogue Adaptation and Citizenship and the Family highlighted (The EU year 2013 should the policies of government provide ample opportunities towards increasing the to address the employment participation of women in of women, amongst other employment. issues as ‘citizens’) to come up Asa Loftstrom, Institute of with innovative solutions and Economics Umea University, policies. Sweden made a presentation She also pointed out that on the development of policies other areas that need to be in Sweden, based on scientific research statistics on inactivity. It also revealed addressed are; female entrepreneurship and at the same time traced historical findings on current obstacles women from education to enterprise, increasing developments in comparison with face to enter/re-enter the labour market, the number of women graduates at developments in Malta. many of which re comparable to the Masters and Doctoral levels and their Dr Rose Marie Azzopardi, Faculty study NCW carried out on 2009 in professional contribution to industry, of Economics, Management and collaboration with NSO. women’s contribution to economic Accountancy, University of Malta The lively discussion form the growth and strengthening the gender made a presentation of recent research participants concentrated mainly on dimension in the EU 2020 Strategy. she has carried out. The first part the need for Child and Elderly Care, of the study was a presentation of longer school hours, (after school Grace Attard, the situation of Maltese women in services). In her intervention Grace NCW, EESC education, in employement, including Attard pointed out the need to look 8 January - March 2013 ARETUSA News Aretusa Conference in Sofia Bulgaria
he conference was held on the consolation to what they had left behind recommendations included: 7th of November in Sofia , and many a time find themselves 1. The setting up of a Task Force TBulgaria, following the meeting retrafficked. Poland however took a in each country, which would serve held in Bergamo Italy earlier in the different aspect, targeting the children as the focal point of contact between year. Poverty, Gender and Trafficking of the Roma people. These children the countries themselves as well as was the title of this seminar and the are offered accommodation, education where victims can seek assistance. 2. participating organisations all tackled which will result in a better life for the When prosecuting it is important that the theme from different aspects. future. Inclusion and integration with the offence that the trafficker is being The hosting country, Bulgaria, was the village people is encouraged and prosecuted for is actually found in represented by Caritas Ruse. Their although there is resistance on the part the law itself. 3. Swift prosecution. 4. presentation dealt with the problems of the Roma people, results are now Assistance to victims and repatriation that Roma women face and the risk more visible. only if certain that the victim will not of being trafficked due to their poverty, The most shocking presentation was be retrafficked. lack of education and their immense that by the Greek NGO who gave a The European Parliament declared attachment to the traditional way of picture of the situation in Greece where in a resolution (2010/2162 (INI)) on living. Many of the victims are recruited prostitution is rampant, brothels are the 8th of March 2011:”Considers by family members, acquaintances and legal and the situation is uncontrolled. that preventing and reducing women’s criminals into what the victims think This has now become a health hazard poverty is an important component will be well paid jobs, but in fact they as sexually transmitted deceases are of the fundamental principle of social find themselves sexually exploited and on the increase and are alarming. solidarity to which the European Union far away from their country. Many of Women prostitutes arrive in Greece is committed as provided in Article these women find themselves in other from Rumania, Bulgaria and this point 3 of the Treaty on European Union, EU countries where brothels are legal even Malta was mentioned as a transit implying equality between women and prostitution is considered as just country but also as a source. Germany’s and men, social justice and protection another service. Of those trafficked the NGO gave the picture of the situation and combating social exclusion and rate of women trafficked for sexual in their country, perhaps not as bad as discrimination”. exploitation is around 85% with the Greece but termed as the only growing “Recognises that ‘the feminization other percentages being taken up by market in these times of recession. of poverty’ means that women have a domestic work and agricultural work Malta’s situation does not seem higher incidence of poverty than men, amongst others. problematic when compared to these that their poverty is more severe than The presentation by Rumanian countries, however the greatest difficulty that of men and that poverty among NGO was on the similar lines, adding in recognising traffickers and its victims, women is on the Increase”. to the facts that once these victims are in that these people enter our country deported back into their countries, the in a legal manner by both sea and air Mary Gaerty, situation they find back home is no travel and therefore hard to detect. The NCW President January - March 2013 9 ARETUSA News Round Table Conference held at the National Council of Women - 1st November 2012
overty affects women by NCW, held on 21 November2012 recommendations, as established by and increases the risk of at NCW Centre, it was stated that the UN Palermo Protocol, were put Punemployment, prostitution, research has shown that poverty is forward: a) that the directive itself trafficking, family breakdowns and the main cause that makes women must be supported with training of domestic violence. How can we end and men vulnerable and therefore a personnel who might come in contact these specific and serious human rights prey to traffickers, these victims being with these victims; b) transborder violation? Are they a direct result of mostly women. Human trafficking may cooperation in order to detect cases of social and political gender inequality? never be recognised as such unless human trafficking, not only within the In Malta laws criminalising human the victims themselves report their EU zone but also with third countries trafficking for sexual exploitation, situation to the police. The courage to such as the Eastern countries; c) exploitation for the provision of go forward and report is many a time support to victims and witnesses must services and exploitation for the lost in the fear of losing the ‘home’ be strengthened, in order to offer the removal of organs is already provided and false financial security that they person the possibility of establishing a for in the Criminal Code. would be experiencing at that moment. new life and d) penalising the trafficker According to a report issued by the There is the need for adequate support according to the vulnerability of the American Embassy in Malta, Malta is to individuals who come forward and victim, especially were children are the a transit country, a destination and a report. Decisions regarding victims victims and e) finally, an education source for trafficking of women and who are sent back to their country of campaign informing all sectors of children. A thesis by Roberta Avellino origin have been questioned as there is society to be able to detect signs in a however does not give evidence of a serious risk for the victim to return person, which one may identify as a any children being trafficked. Between to her previous misery and worse victim trafficking and f) the setting 2002 and 2010 there were 10 cases of consequences. The possibility that the up of a Task Force , in order to set in trafficking reported and 14 persons same person is re-trafficked is a reality. motion and monitor progress of all the were convicted. What can Maltese With only 4 persons reported as being recommendations NGOs do to raise awareness on the new trafficked in Malta in 2011, it is felt that Governments, the business EU Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing trafficking is very difficult to detect since community and NGOs must work and combating trafficking in human many of the victims arrive in Malta as together in order to eradicate poverty beings and supporting the victims, regular immigrants and therefore no and therefore trafficking of human both nationally and internationally? alarm is raised. beings. During the conference, organised In conclusion, the following Tamara Gauci, Rapporteur 10 January - March 2013
Óajja ta’ Kwalita’ g˙at-Tarbija li se Titwieled
s-Sibt 13 ta’ Ottubru, 2012 saret il- tinforma lil employer tag˙ha, biex dan Konferenza Nazzjonali - Óajja ta’ jevalwa, b’obligu legali, r-riski tax-xog˙ol IKwalita ghat Tarbija li se Titwieled - li tag˙mel din il-persuna u l-ambjent li fid- Dolmen Hotel Bu©ibba mill-Moviment ta˙dem fih. L-ambjent g˙andu jkun tajjeb Malti dwar it-Tarbija li se Titwieled bil- g˙al mara bit-tarbija u jekk ikun il-bΩonn, kooperazzjoni tal-Ministeru tal- Ìustizzja, Dr Nathalie Kenelly, Chairperson of the National l-employer irid jipprovdi ambjent ie˙or Commission for the Family, Hon Chris Said, Djalogu Pubbliku u l-Familja, li sponsorja NCW Vice-President Grace Attard and sann g˙al din l-omm. il-Konferenza. Marianne Massa, Director, Health Promotion Intqal li l-©id u l-protezzjoni tat-tarbija Ms Grace Attard, vici-president tal- li se titwieled g˙andha tkun ‘Common Kunsill Nazzjonali tan-Nisa, ghaqda fil- u s-Soçjeta. Intqal li l-omm trid issib am- Concern of Mankind’ u li l-˙ajja umana, Moviment, mexxiet il-Konferenza. Tkellem bjent li fih se ssib l-g˙ajnuna. Ommijiet sa min qabel it-twelid, hi kwistjoni ferm il-Ministru Chris Said li spjega il-˙idma li jabbuΩaw waqt it-tqala m’g˙andhomx g˙al qalb il-poplu Malti u g˙andha tkun tal-Gvern fil-gzejjer Maltin, anki bil-legis- ji©u stigmati u ma jibΩg˙ux imorru jfittxu hekk kullimkien. lazzjoni, biex jipprote©i il-˙ajja tat-tarbija l-g˙ajnuna. L-Agenzija Sedqa toffri ghaj- Fid-diskors dwar formazzjoni tal-valuri, li se titwieled mill-konçepiment tag˙ha. nuna lill-genituri sabiex jipprovdu ambjent kemm Maltin u kemm Ewropej, intqal li Qal li j˙ares ‘l quddiem li titkompla il- tajjeb lil uliedhom. Issemiet l-importanza li min–na˙a wa˙da fl-Ewropa hemm ˙afna kollaborazzjoni fuq il-©id tat-tarbija fil-©uf nharsu lejn it-tqala bhala process naturali, li jag˙tu kaΩ aktar ta’ g˙asfur milli ta’ bejn il-Ministeru tieghu u l-Moviment Malti u mhux bhala prodecura medika. Meta tarbija se titwieled. Li n˙arsu ˙ajja umana dwar it Tarbija li se Titwieled. naghmlu kampanja ta edukazzjoni nip- g˙andha tkun iktar g˙al qalb kulhadd Ms Marianne Massa, speçjalista fil-pro- pruvaw nilhqu lil kulhadd. Ricerki juru li fl-Ewropa kollha. Min-na˙a l-o˙ra issem- mozzjoni tas-sa˙˙a, tkellmet fuq il-˙idma hafna nisa Maltin malli jsiru jafu li huma miet l-g˙ajnuna vasta li tag˙ti l-Unjoni tal-Moviment g˙all-©id tat-tarbija li se tit- tqal jieqfu jixorbu. Hemm target groups Ewropea fil-©lieda kontra l-faqar u li l-li©i wieled matul l-a˙˙ar tmien snin, kemm ilu partikolari. It-target group ghandha tkun Ewropeja tag˙milha illegali li mara tqila mwaqqaf il-Moviment.. Dr Natalie Kenely it-tarbija, izda, permezz tal-genituri. titkeçça mill-post tax- xog˙ol. Din, intqal, mill- Universita ta’ Malta, u Charperson Minkejja il-li©ijiet li g˙andna dwar hija forma o˙ra ta’ g˙ajnuna g˙at-tarbija tal-Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Famlija, li it-tarbija fil-©uf irridu noqodu attenti li mhux mwielda. Wa˙da mir-ra©unijiet li g˙amlet id-diskors ewlieni, spjegat fit-tul kif ma n©elldux lill-omm u t-tarbija. Hemm g˙ad m’hemmx li©ijiet fl’ UE hija g˙aliex no˙olqu relazzjoni emozzjonali rikka mat- bzonn immexxu l-ideja li t-tnejn li huma t-tarbija li se titwieled g˙adha mhix smata tarbija li se titwieled. Qalet li studji xjen- g˙andhom isibu mod kif jimxu tajjeb b˙ala persuna s˙i˙a. tifiçi juru li tarbija fil-©uf hija sensittiva, flimkien. Fil-kwadru ta’ dawn i-ligijiet il- Sar diskors ukoll fuq pre-conception konxja, u tista’ tiftakar u li l-formazzjoni ˙sieb qed jevolvi li g˙andu jinstab il-bilanç care u kemm huwa importanti li kull tal-personalità tag˙ha tibda fil-©uf. Il-©uf delikat bejn l-interessi tat-tarbija fil- ©uf u mara tkun taf is-sistema tag˙ha u jsiru huwa l-ewwel dinja g˙aliha u l-kwalita’ l-interess tal-©enituri. Intwera wkoll id-DVD check-ups qabel ma’ l-mara ta˙seb biex tal-˙ajja taghha fil-©uf hija determinata qasir – When your unborn child is on drugs, tibda tqala. Ìie su©©erit li meta jkun minn omm it-tarbija. It-trobbija ma tibdiex alcohol or tobacco. qieg˙ed ikun diskuss l-iΩvilupp sostenibbli meta titwieled it-tarbija, izda fil-©uf u li L-avukat Joe Mifsud mexxa Panel fl-a©enda nazzjonal g˙andu jkun diskuss t-tqala hija t-trobbija de facto. It-trobbija 2 li ddiskuta Il-Protezzjoni tal-Ìenituri u ukoll l-iΩvilupp sostenibbli tat-tarbija li hija dwar il-˙olqien tal-bniedem s˙ih li tat-Tarbija li se Titwieled fuq il- Postijiet tkun se titwieled. tinkludi l-iΩvilupp emozzjonali tat-tarbija tax-Xog˙ol u pprova jara ta’ min hi r- Tony Mifsud, Koordinatur, Moviment Malti li se titwieled. responsabilta tat-tarbija li se titwieled dwar it-Tarbija li se Titwieled, Pauline Borg, Saru Ωew© panels ta’ diskussjoni im- fid-dinja tal-lum. Intqal li r-responsabilta’ Charlene Giordimaina, Catherine Bonnici u mexxijin minn Ωewg ©urnalisti tat-televiz- tat-tarbija li se titwieled fid-dinja tal-lum Dr Angelo Micallef joni. Pierre Portelli mexxa Panel 1 dwar huwa tas-soçjeta’ kollha kemm f’Malta u Il-Óarsien tal-Óajja u s-Sa˙˙a tat-Tarbija anki lil hinn minnha. Saret emfasi kbira For further information visit: li se Titwieled u Il-Li©i u r-rwol tal-Familja li kif il-mara ssir taf bit-tqala, g˙andha www.unbornchildmalta.org Trio Presidency work programme endorses 2014 as European Year for Reconciling Work and Family Life
t the 3210th meeting of the icy, Health and Consumer Affairs, there is “This is very good news for COFACE, General Affairs Council in a specific mention of the 2014 European the 2014 Alliance, but also for women and ABrussels on the 11th Decem- Year for Reconciling Work and Family men in Europe, for the families who are ber 2012, the representatives of the up- Life. It states that “Designating 2014 as struggling to reconcile their family life with coming Trio Presidency, namely Ireland, the European Year for Reconciling Work their work commitments and their carers Lithuania and Greece presented their 18 and Family Life would help improving the responsibilities.” sais Annemie Drieskens, the months work programme setting out the social situation of families by triggering President of COFACE. She adds that “We are Council’s work as established by the future a reflection on the necessary responses to very pleased that the up-coming Presidencies Irish, Lithuanian and Greek Presiden- the far-reaching societal challenges in have endorsed the idea of the year, as it cies, covering the period January 2013 this context.”. While acknowledging, that is now more important than ever to rethink to June 2014 family policy and families are primarily how the labour market is organised, to ex- The document consists of two parts, within the competence of the Member change knowledge on what public policies one is the strategic framework, the other States, “there is considerable scope for could work best to support working parents, contains the operational programme of cooperation at EU level which can also carers, and all women and men in reconciling the Presidency Trio. Under the Operation- provide added value to policy options and their work, family and private life.” al Programme for Employment, Social Pol- solutions at national level.”. January - March 2013 11
Anna Lindh Foundation Meeting in Casablanca
The Anna Lindh Foundation was created to D Strategy namely: d) ALF can bring people together in a unique gathering Intercultural Dialogue and Diversity serve also as a from across the Mediterranean to improve This theme focused upon challenges marketing tool, a mutual respect between cultures. Forum faced by women who act in favour of medium enabling participants include youth leaders, civil diversity, the manipulation of cultural the produce society organisations, influential policy dimension in promoting gender stereotypes of the projects makers, and intercultural experts. Since its and the presence of women in the new social undertaken with launch in 2005, the Anna Lindh Foundation media. the help of the has embarked upon and supported Intercultural Dialogue and Democracy region’s NGOs action across fields impacting on mutual This workshop has focused upon exhibited across other regions. perceptions among people of different challenges women face towards active e) Laws enacted regarding sexual harassment, cultures and beliefs, as well as developing citizenship, voice of young women as key quotas, discrimination and gender equality a region-wide Network of over 3000 civil actors for social change, changes with should not only promote equality but should society organisations. equality in participation and representation have a regulatory framework to ensure that In the context of the preparation of Anna in civil society and political life as well as these are followed. Lindh Mediterranean Forum 2013, which the role of education in building active and f) There should be changes to the educational will take place in Marseille, France during equal citizenship. system including compulsory subjects the 4th to 7th April, the Anna Lindh Euro Intercultural Dialogue and tackling gender equality from the pre-school Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue Development to both genders. between Cultures (ALF) held the second These working sessions have explored g) Family planning and sexual health Forum Preparatory Meeting focusing on the the major socio-economic and labor education should be on the agenda. It is role of women and their perspective in the challenges facing women in the Region in also warranted that legislation is changed framework of the 4D ALF Strategy: Dialogue, the current socio-economic crisis, the role in terms of adoption, single mothers and Democracy, Development and Diversity. of development projects to facilitate the children rights. In instances of strong A call for participation was issued so integration of women and their community religious beliefs and in certain cultures, that 30 participants would be identified, and obstacles women meet in academic and the introduction of an authority from the out of which ten were to be chosen from research fields. Recommendations made religious scene during the decision making Morocco as hosting country. Ms Jennifer from this workshop: procedure is vital. The authority is to Barberi, as membership secretary and a) Governments together with NGOs are to collaborate to mutually reasonable solutions events co-ordinator of the Banking on be encouraged to collate timely statistics for the basic fundamental rights of these Women Association within HSBC Malta, distinguishing between male and female mothers and their children from the outset. was successful in the call for participation data. h) Introduction of quotas during decision and was invited to form part of the third b) It is encouraged that the useful projects making procedures should ensure women thematic workshop described below. Besides undertaken with rural women continue and take active part and men also contribute active input via contribution of ideas based are strengthened and supported. towards women’s emancipation. on the local scene, her role as rapporteur c) Governments are to be encouraged to The Forum was ended with a follow instigated eventual delivery of the ideas, best, subsidise lending facilities to small business up working session from Casablance to practices and recommendations discussed by start up especially where there is the scope to Marseille highlighting the most important participants during the thematic workshop. emancipate women in rural and poor areas. themes and recommendations that ALF will The meeting was articulated around Large organisations may collaborate as part be handling. three thematic focuses addressing the ALF 4 of their Social Corporate Strategy. Jenny Barberi BOW HSBC NCW request for Presidential Pardon for a mother found guilty of refusing access to father to be released from prison
he National Council of Women is with the father, after what happened. situation as this 57-year-old woman, to have shocked by the overall treatment of The lack of seeking other ways to ensure to force their child/children to spend time Tthe recent case and the court’s decision the responsibility of both parents when with the father, no matter what their age is. to imprison the mother for three months dealing with the case, rather than simply Whichever way the mother will act, she will with regards to access to their teenage (17- calling them irresponsible does not reflect the be assumed guilty. It would be assumed that year-old) son to visit his father. NCW is way Malta’s justice system values the family. taking no action to ensure access means that concerned that such an extreme penalty is Furthermore, turning a 57-year-old mother a mother is doing so out of revenge. one which is uncalled for especially in view and teacher into a criminal, (whose trauma NCW together with affiliated of the fact that according to the son, his should not be minimised), who has to seek organisations and all other organisations mother never directly prevented him not to employment to be able to provide decently and individuals who have already voiced visit the father. for her livelihood and more particularly their support for the mother are presenting NCW believes that the court’s decision for that of her son was never taken into a petition to H.E. The President of Malta Dr. is one whose negative impact far outweighs consideration. George Abela for a Presidential pardon to be the scope of the penalty and which does not This was a case of an extremely difficult granted as allowed in the Constitution of in any way help improve the relationship relationship, right from the start and therefore Malta for her release from prison and that between the son and his father. Was it really one cannot be biased in attributing blame she will be given back her job as a member ‘in the best interest’ of the underage 17-year- to one of the parents – both are responsible of the teaching staff with government to be in old? The negative repercussions this must be for what happened.The treatment of this a position to give a decent life to her son. having on the son must not be forgotten as case is sending a very negative message as it he himself did not and does not want to be will only lead mothers who are in the same 12 January - March 2013
EESC Euromed Summit - Amman Jordan, 17-19 October 2012 The Situation of Women in the Euromed
particular in the energy sector; • Underlines that in many countries promoting and maintaining the of the southern Mediterranean sustainable development drive; region employers rather than the and civil society’s role in the state are responsible for covering fight against corruption. women’s salaries during maternity leave which discourages the The 2012 EESC Euromed employment of women in non- Declaration on the Role of traditional sectors; Women – Amman, Jordan • Laments the lack of in-depth and comparable data on the political, • Deplores the significant economic and social situation of deterioration in women’s women in the region, which in rights that has taken place in itself hampers coherent policy he Euromed Summit of Economic numerous countries of the Euro- formulation and reflects a general and Social Councils held in Rome Mediterranean region in recent lack of concern on the part of policy- in 2010 mandated the setting months; T makers for women’s issues; up of a Permanent Group to follow • Stresses that whilst women’s rights the development of the Approved • Urges governments to demonstrate so far have theoretically been Declarations of the Istanbul, November transparently that they are supported in law, in practice 2006, and Marrakech, November 2009, promoting public and private sector implementation of these rights Ministerial Conferences on the Role initiatives to tackle the inequality falls short of requirements. They of Women in Society in the Euromed gap and that they are taking stress that women’s social and Region. the necessary steps in their own economic rights need to be aligned The Summit held in Istanbul from budgets to allocate sufficient funds with those of male workers since at 16-18 November 2011 mandated the to measures to guarantee effective present women are suffering major Euromed network of Economic and equal rights; inequalities in terms of pay, access Social Councils and similar institutions to and quality of employment; • Calls for more awareness raising to report back on the current situation amongst public officials, in in the 2012 Summit held in Amman. • It draws attention to the fact that particular the police, the judiciary The report gave an overview of the the participation rate of women in and government officials, of situation of women before and after the the labour market in the southern women’s rights and in particular uprisings in the different countries and Mediterranean region is the lowest their right to dignity; put forward a set of recommendations in the world, at 24%, and that that the Marrakech Ministerial Meeting the segmentation of the labour • Calls on the Union for the of Ministers agreed to in 2009. market means that women’s work is Mediterranean to ensure that the The following major themes were concentrated on a limited number principles of the Istanbul and discussed at the Summit: the political of sectors. Marrakesh declarations are taken context and rights-related issues; efforts into account in its projects; • Ratification of gender-related ILO to improve governance in the Euro- conventions (100; 111; 156; and Mediterranean region through better • Insists that the EU must adhere to 183) remains very low; involvement of civil society; social the principles it has set out in its European Neighbourhood Policy dialogue, training and networking; • Points out that 45-50% of women and ensure that its programmes in the need to protect and promote in the southern Mediterranean the region effectively advance. freedom of the media in the region; region cannot read or write and a the need to advance the economic primary prerequisite for enhancing Grace Attard, and social situation of women; the women’s integration into economic NCW, EESC importance of developing the economy and social life is to improve their through coherent industrial policies, in access to education;
Unleashing the potential of children and students with high intellectual abilities - EESC December Plenary
he issue of children and young the framework of the EU, enhancing areas of their development, and will people with high intellectual specialist knowledge and preventing be emotionally mature with high Tabilities has been fairly well brain drain to other parts of the self-control, independent, responsible researched. However, there is the need world. and eager to please their teacher; to adopt suitable measures to cater for As care for high abilities is a believing that they will stand out in diversity among all types of people. relatively new and emerging concept, all areas of the school curriculum: These should include programmes teacher training in this area needs teachers often expect brilliant students that would tap the potential of to be built on, requiring systematic to achieve brilliant results in every gifted children and young people in efforts in terms of both initial and area; expecting highly able children a wide variety of fields. The aims of ongoing training of teachers. to be extremely motivated to do well this action would include facilitating Pitfalls to avoid : assuming that at school and carry out any task set employment and employability within gifted children will stand out in all them with enthusiasm and interest. January - March 2013 13
Labour Market Observatory - Conference on Excluded or Included - Labour market participation of people with intellectual impairment or relational problems - 6 November 2012
or people The key question is whether we in people, whether or not they are recogn- with in- Europe are able to offer these people real ised as disabled under national law. In a Ftellectual labour market participation, and not just nutshell: how can we really improve their impairment or passive forms of very meagre social assis- access to jobs? The European Economic and relational prob- tance, paid out during their entire adult Social Committee hopes that the other EU lems it is often lifetime – about 60 years on average. If institutions will pick up on the results of the difficult, if not the latter is not acceptable, we have to find conference and join the EESC in its efforts impossible, to find a job on the open labour solutions. The aim of the conference was to find real solutions to improve the labour market, despite the well-meaning political to launch a public debate on the labour market position of people with intellectual discourse, existing programmes, financial market position and perspectives of these impairment or relational problems. support and so on. 50/50 Declaration for parity in institutions after 2014
EPs are now ready to do candidates for the European elections preparation for the European elections. battle to defend equality in in 2014 should also contain parity She also explained that, “we no Mthe European institutions and equality should also be reflected longer accept that more than half of after the 2014 elections. A “multi- in the appointment of Parliamentary the European population is constantly party” declaration was presented committee and Parliamentary bureau excluded from decision-making that on Wednesday 22 November at the chairpersons, according to the 50/50 affects their daily life”, in a reference European Parliament during the plenary Declaration. to Yves Mersch, who is still being session. This declaration seeks to obtain The declaration can be signed put forward as a candidate for the a maximum number of signatures. The by all MEPs and MPs from national exclusively male Board of Governors at 50/50 Declaration has already obtained parliaments. The liberal MEP Anneli the European Central Bank. Her Socialist the support of around fifty MEPs from Jäätteenmäki (ALDE, Finland) is also colleague, Zita Gurmai (S&D, Hungary) all the different parties. insisting that men and women take part was keen to point out that more equality This approach advocates the in this campaign and sign the petition. in decision making provided greater nomination by the member states The declaration will be presented to the added value to the institutions and of a female candidate and a male Commission at the beginning of next society. She is also highlighting the fact candidate for the post of Commissioner year. Franziska Brantner MEP (Greens/ that gender equality is a fundamental in the College of Commissioners after EFA, Germany) is subsequently hoping, principle of the European Union and 2014, as well as for all senior official “to mobilise and increase the pressure to achieve this end, the European posts at the Commission. The list of on institutions and governments” in institutions should set an example. Parliamentary pressure to counter domestic violence
ive MEPs are putting pressure on against women. It also urges member document. 10 ratifications would enable the EU to ratify the international states to subsequently take action against the convention to formally enter into force. Fconvention to prevent and combat this phenomenon. So far, however, only Turkey has ratified violence against women. Mikael The written declaration outlined this document. Gustafsson (GUE/NGL, Sweden), Barbara by MEPs calls on the Commission and The declaration by MEPs was presented Matera (EPP, Italy), Antonya Parvanova EU member states to work with civil to the European Parliament on Tuesday (ALDE, Bulgaria), Raül Romeva (Greens/ society organisations to implement this 20 November, which will be meeting EFA, Spain) and Britta Thomsen (S&D, convention. The document will be sent up for its plenary session in Strasbourg. Denmark) are urging their colleagues to the Council, Commission, member The European women’s lobby has to sign a written declaration in this states, Council of Europe and United already demonstrated its support for this connection. The declaration calls on the EU Nations. The convention has been open initiative. to ratify the Council of Europe convention to signatures since late 2011. Around on tackling domestic violence and violence 20 countries have countersigned the The involvment and participation of older people in society, EESC November Plenary 2012
his own-initiative opinion is the dedicated year. birth and requires a long term vision. This result of a wide range of activities The aim of this opinion is to highlight opinion builds on previous EESC opinions Ton the EU Year of Active Ageing the current active participation of older on older people and ageing. and Intergenerational Solidarity 2012 people in Europe, consider the barriers carried out in EU member states to give to enabling more people to be engaged, Grace Attard, recognition to the valuable contribution and emphasizing that such participation NCW Vice-President, of older people to society and to make continues throughout person’s lifetime. EESC member proposals for a long-term follow-up to this Building an age-friendly Europe starts at 14 January - March 2013
We’re in this together? Volunteering and age friendly societies, Cascais Portugal
iane Xuereb and Pauline Azzopardi December 2011. old people in an organization and that represented the National Council Robert Leigh spoke about the timeli- all generations must be involved. The Dof Women in the CEV symposium ness of this report in view of globalization highest point of solidarity is reached when held in Portugal between the 19 and that is transforming both cultural and people from all ages do things together. 20 of October 2012. The symposium’s social norms. In a society where many The study’s recommendations for a theme was ‘Volunteering and age friendly people feel lack of control in their lives, vol- society where intergenerational solidarity societies – We’re in this together?’ unteering helps people to acquire a sense is present, included the following points. The CEV Symposium tackled the of belonging and direction to their lives. • Reduce age based discrimination in issue of volunteering in the context of Although volunteering is not a panacea, employment; the European Year of Active Ageing and he highlighted that it would be a big • Involve multiple stakeholders; Solidarity between Generations 2012. oversight to fail to see the significant con- • Strengthen inter-familiar solidarity; In addition to keynote addresses and tribution it has on society. He reiterated • The need for cross-sector political visits to local projects connected with the that the well being and benefits deriving policies; theme participants had the opportunity to from volunteering extend beyond the in- • Strong co-operation between civil participate in workshop sessions. dividual. During his speech, Robert Leigh society organizations and the corre- referred to an intergenerational activity sponding need for these organizations CEV General Assembly held in San Diego California that com- to strengthen their visibility; The CEV General Assembly was held bined youths and aged people. During • Funds for activity; before the symposium kicked off. The this activity, youths had the opportunity • Strong and more dynamic senior Assembly was open to CEV full to learn about the aging process whereas organizations are necessary for member organizations. These are the aged group had the opportunity to lobbying; national or regional volunteer centres mentor the young ones. Throughout his • Exchange of good practices to learn and volunteer development agencies presentation, Robert Leigh emphasized the and network more easily. throughout Europe whose main mission is need for NGOs working with older people The ICT digital workshop was pre- the promotion of volunteering. Associate and youth to look at how the intergen- sented by Joaquin Durany Seto where he members were also present, including erational element can be present. The spoke about the project entitled Ciber- local volunteer centres and organisations report can be found at the following link: Caixa that was implemented in different who work on a range of issues amongst http://www.unv.org/swvr2011.html areas in Spain. With a budget of 500 which volunteering is one priority. Suzanna Szabo, representing million Euros, the project consisted of During the assembly, the election of France Benevolat on CEV Board workshops that brought new technology President and Board Member was held. of Directors gave a presentation on a to residents from centers for the elderly, The presidency was contested by two study ‘Intergenerational solidarity in to marginalized groups such as prisoners members. Eva Hambach from Vlaams Europe: comparison between Germany, and immigrants. The aim of the project Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk was re elected Belgium, Italy and Sweden’. This was to minimize the negative impact of as CEV president with 21 votes. The study considered the solidarity between institutions and promote ICT. The proj- other contestant, Dott. Renzo Rassano generations in society within Germany, ect empowered elderly individuals who from Italy’s Spes (Centrol d Servizio per Belgium, Italy and Sweden, with particular started to understand new technology and il Volontariato del Lazio) obtained 20 interest in solidarity within families, helped them become a support group for votes. The second election was for a within the context of the public policy other vulnerable social groups. member. A member for the board was and the charitable projects around During this workshop, participants also elected. The Treasurer András F. intergenerational solidarity. This study discussed examples of how ICT can Tóth announced that he was leaving was conducted by university students be applied in volunteering. These CEV Board. within the Faculty of Political Science of examples included online volunteering Some of the themes discussed during Paris. such as children seeking support over the General Assembly were the cooperation The study results show that there skype or email on school homework, with another agency (NYC)for European should be a right mix of young and doctors explaining medical conditions and volunteering. During the General providing information through Assembly, the members voted websites and a forum where for the co-operation between people sharing the same life CEV and NYC. Members also situation can come together. discussed the budget for 2012 The CEV symposium held and the work plan for 2013. an intercultural evening on 19 October where participants Highlights of the CEV brought food and drinks from symposium their respective countries and Robert Leigh, a UK National had the opportunity to talk who studied economics and about their NGOs and the development, was keynote contribution they do in terms speaker at the symposium. His of volunteering. speech was in relation to his appointment as a Senior Writer Diane Xuereb for the first State of the World’s and Pauline Azzopardi Volunteerisim Report launched at the UN General Assembly in January - March 2013 15 Diary of Events
October by NCW at the National Curriculum MEUSAC Meeting “Working Beyond 1st NCW President Mary Gaerty Centre (NCC) Retirement” at the Phoenicia Hotel participated in the discussion MCST Seminar at Bighi organized Doris Bingley and Marie Demicoli on Domestic Violence on TVAM by Dr Marion Zammit Mangion and attended. programme Grace Attard 16th E ageing conference organized by MCA 3rd NCPE SEN National Workshop Doris Grace Attard (Vice-President SOC) Marie Demicoli gave a presentation, Bingley attended attended the EESC Section Meeting Doris Bingley attended. 4th Meeting with Mr. Ray Borg of ETC, for Employment, Social Affairs and Meeting at NCW with representative of Employment in Social Economy Mary Citizenship Women Federation for World Peace Gaerty and Doris Bingley attended 24th NCW President Mary Gaerty 17th Girl Guides Association National Quality and Quantity of Water in Open participated in the programme Iswed Conference Corinthia Hotel San Reservoirs organized by MEUSAC, Mary fuq Abjad on NET TV. George’s Bay, Mary Gaerty attended Gaerty attended Grace Attard participated in the EESC 19th Grace Attard participated in the EESC 5th ALF Malta Network Meeting Doris Section Meeting on Single Market, External Relations Section Meeting Bingley attended Production and Consumption 20th Sectoral Sub Committee for Social 5+5 Leaders in Malta Summit 26th Daphne Project meeting with Roberta Inclusion meeting at Centru Access Build-up skills Malta Stakeholders Lepre, Mary Gaerty and Doris Bingley Valletta Doris Bingley participated Platform Meeting, Evelyn Vella Brincat attended. 23rd Commission for Domestic Violence attended EQF Colloquium National Seminar; Violence against Women 8th Commission for Financial Literacy and Coordination Point Tamara Gauci and Domestic Violence Forging ahead Retirement Income Mary Gaerty and attended with new initiatives for Prevention at Pauline Azzopardi attended 29th Conference & NGO fair - TIC TAC the Waterfront Hotel. Doris Bingley NCW Executive Committee Meeting Project financed by the Europe for participated 9th CAREMARK Malta Launch at Corinthia Citizens programme organized by Grace Attard participated in the EESC Hotel St. George’s Bay Grace Attard the Local Council Association. Doris Section Meeting Employment, Social Gen Sec ACR, Doris Bingley and Marie Bingley, Marie Demicoli and Tamara Affairs and Citizenship Demicoli attended the Meeting of the Gauci participated. 24th EU Funding MEUSAC Seminar – The Association for Consumer Rights Grace Attard participated in the Contribution of NGOs at Le Meridien 10th SME week at the Kitchen Garden San EESC Study Group on Macro-regional Hotel Anton – NCW stand with brochures strategy in the Mediterranean 26th Launching of the work of the Sectoral Civil Society Committee MCESD at 30th Informal Carers & Volunteering in Sub-Committee regarding Accessibility, UHM premises Doris Bingley, Ben Rizzo the Community at MCC Doris Bingley Doris Bingley participated & Father SAviour Grima attended. attended. 27th NCW Central Committee meeting 11th EESC Meeting of Consultative AMIE End of Project meeting Committee on Industrial Change Grace November Reception to welcome the Australian Attard participated 1st Round Table on Poverty, Gender & Catholic University Study tour Doris 12th Mental Health Association Video Trafficking – recommendations to be Bingley attended Forum, Priscilla Muscat attended sent to ARETUSA network. 28th Association for Consumer Rights Malta 13th Conference on the Rights of the 5th The Queen’s Jubilee Classic Tea first information meeting at NCW Unborn Child, Grace Attard chaired Party at Villa Messina, Doris Bingley, Centre the Conference, Doris Bingley, Therese Maryrose Zahra and Marie Demicoli Presenting the Dyslexia Guidebook for Cassola and Marie Demicoli attended attended parents to the Professionals – Dyslexia 17th European SME week in Brussels Summit 6th Grace Attard participated in the Association. 2012 at The Square in Brussels Mary EESC Conference on Labour market 30th The National Council of Women Gaerty, Nadyanne Mangion, Jeanette participation of people with intellectual Christmas Fair at NCW Centre Borg Doris Bingley and Marie Demicoli impairment organized by the Labour Grace Attard participated in attended. Market Observatory Extraordinary Group III Meeting in Reconciling Work and Family 7th Europa Donna Breastcare support Mass Nicosia Cyprus on the theme Tourism Responsibilities Public seminar at tal- at NCW Centre in the Mediterranean Qroqq Campus, Pauline Azzopardi Grace Attard Chaired the EESC Study attended. group on European Research Area December Eesc Euromed Summit in Amman – Partnership fpr Excellence and 3rd Kulhadd Differenti ilkoll Indaqs Jordan Grace Attard participated. A Growth Konferenza Westin Dragonara report on the Situation of Women in 9th Seminar“ Women & Climate Change” 4th Official End Conference of the European the Mediterranean was presented organized by NCW Environment Year 2012 in Malta Doris Bingley and 18th MUESAC in collaboration with MCCAA Committee at Dar L-Ewropa Marie Demicoli attended consultation meeting on the National 12th NCW Executive Committee meeting 6th Breakfast meeting with Mr Riober Action Plan on Sustainable Pesticides MITA Meeting Doris Bingley and Mary Madelin – Director General 19th CEV General Assembly in Cascais Gaerty attended Communication Networks, Content & Portugal, Pauline Azzopardi and Diane Seminar on ‘Female Employment and Technology at the Westin Dragonara Xuereb attended. Economic Growth’ was organized by Hotel 22nd Enterprise Consultative Council- H.E. Ulla Gudmundson, Ambassador 7th NCW Executive Committee Meeting NCW Member Jeanette Borg gave a of Sweden to Malta. Grace Attard was 12th NCW Executive Members invited by presentation invited to participate the American Ambassador at her Gender and Young Enterprise at Hotel 14th The U.S. Embassy and the National residence Pheonicia, Doris Bingley represented Council of Women organised a talk Grace Attard participated in the EESC NCW by Dr Mary M. Dwyer, Ph.D. at the December Plenary. Grace Attard (co-rapporteur) of the U.S. Embassy in Ta’ Qali. 18th The BMV Prize winner recital during EESC Study Group on The Gender EESC 484th November Plenary. Grace NCW Christmas Celebrations at the Dimension of the EU 2020 Strategy Attard particpated Casino Maltese Valletta 23rd Building the Value of Entrepreneurial 15th MCESD Civil Society Meeting Doris 20th Grace Attard participated in the EESC Skills by Dr Katie Birch PhD organized Bingley and Mary Gaerty attended SOC Section Meeting 16 January - March 2013
FORTHCOMING EVENTS Dates to remember Saturday 2nd February at 2pm visit to the Salini Annual General Meeting 26 January 2013 Bird Park.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday Saturday 23rd February at 7pm - Foundation Day 26 January 2013 at The Victoria Hotel at the newly Dinner refurbished William Shakespeare Hall, (complimentary parking at the Hotel car park). All members and Thursday 7th March - Women’s Day Celebration affiliated organisations are urged to attend. Mass at St. Patrick’s Church Sliema. For booking and further details please contact the office on 21248881 or 21246982 between 9.30am and 2.30pm or email [email protected]
Is ICT a man’s world? Definitely not! Recently, a Eurobarometer study interviewed over 25,000 young people from across Europe regarding their attitudes towards technology. One of the findings was that ICT, as a sector, is still very much considered as a “man’s world”. Furthermore, ICT is wrongly associated with ‘nerdy’ people who have no or very limited social relationships. This image prevents many people, especially women, from choosing a career in this sector, which is ironic when one considers the fact that the world’s first ever programmer Ada Lovelace, was a woman.
A dynamic, flexible career: The ICT industry is one of the fastest expanding sources of employment globally. There are many specialised areas in this sector which are constantly seeking to recruit new talent. Working in IT has several advantages for women as the industry offers attractive salaries and working conditions, flexibility and plenty of exciting challenges and opportunities.
Reach for IT: If you would like to know more about the opportunities which exist and you are interested in getting the right qualifications and skills to work within the ICT sector, please get in touch with us at the Human Capital Department (at MITA) by calling 21234710