Malta reports to New York CEDAW meeting

Women's Anti-discrimination Committee experts have urged Malta to incorporate the UN Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women into domestic law. Malta ratified the convention in 1991 but was reporting to the committee for the first time during this meeting in New York earlier this month.

Experts stressed that Government should consider the convention when interpreting domestic law. They also noted the weak level of women's participation in decision-making bodies, particularly in the national and European parliaments.

It was suggested that the country adopt special temporary measures such as targets for women's participation or minimum percentages for both sexes in political candidates lists.

Other experts noted a similar lack of female diplomats and stressed that special programmes were needed to encourage more women to enter the foreign service. Several experts also commented on the low percentage of women in Malta's labour market, suggesting that the country review measures it had taken to encourage women to work, which might actually discourage them from working in the paid labour force and reinforce their roles as primary caregivers.

Sina Bugeja of the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity, responding to questions, explained Malta's legal system vis-à-vis the convention. She also highlighted initiatives that are being carried out in different areas, developments in Maltese legislation regarding gender equality and the work of the recently set up National Commission for the Promotion of Equality for Men and Women.

The committee vice-chairman and expert commended Malta's efforts to improve its legal system, noting that the issue of gender equality had only a short history in the country. The committee was concerned, however, about incorporation of the convention into the country's legal system.

It also noted the country's apparent reliance on EU human rights instruments at the expense of the convention, which was a legally binding treaty between the ratifying country and the international community. She hoped the country would find ways to incorporate the convention into its system, so that women in Malta would be aware of their rights under the convention.

She also expressed concern over Malta's reservations with the convention, and encouraged the Maltese government to consider reviewing them. In addition, she suggested that: Malta ratify the convention's optional protocol; consider the low number of women in its labour market; address the country's wage gap and lack of child care facilities; and pay special attention to women's position as the major caregivers in Maltese households.

The country also needs to increase the proportion of women in administrative and decision-making positions, perhaps using temporary special measures. Malta should also quickly enact the domestic violence legislation under consideration.