Nearly two-thirds of the measures in the gender equality strategy have been implementedThe annual conference of the Gender Mainstreaming Unit within the Human Rights Directorate focused on the progress achieved since the launch of the gender equality strategy in 2022, with nearly two-thirds of the measures now completed, as well as on the actions still required to strengthen equality where gaps remain.The Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, noted that 66 out of the 104 measures in the strategy have been fully implemented.She stated that, with a completion rate of 63 per cent, significant progress has been made in addressing inequalities. She also observed that implementation has begun on a further 28 per cent of the actions outlined in the national strategy known as GEMSAP.One of the key themes discussed during the conference was the pension gap, which stems from the historically low participation of women in the labour market. The Parliamentary Secretary explained that this developed over the years when women either did not work or stopped working upon marriage.She added that, with today’s strong female participation in the workforce, this issue is expected to be resolved over time.The Parliamentary Secretary highlighted a series of measures introduced in the Government’s Budget to reduce this gap and ensure greater fairness for women in pensions. These include increases in widows’ pensions, as well as compensation and pension eligibility for women who have fewer than ten years of paid contributions.Rebecca Buttigieg stated that Malta has made substantial progress in gender equality across various sectors, as also reflected in the European index, although further work remains.“Effective equality does not discriminate against either women or men; rather, it is a value that upholds dignity. The Government is therefore committed to continuing its efforts to achieve equality for all,” she emphasised. To this end, she noted that a Bill has been presented in Parliament to establish a dedicated equality body with the authority to investigate cases of discrimination.The implementation of the GEMSAP strategy is being coordinated by a specially appointed inter-ministerial committee.The strategy’s main objectives include, among others, ensuring the country has institutional mechanisms to prevent discrimination, guaranteeing equal access to employment and financial independence, strengthening shared responsibility in family life and promoting gender balance in political and public decision-making.What do you make of this?•