Standing up for women victims

Scarce statistics show that as many as one in five women in the EU is a victim of abuse at the hands of a male partner - and the numbers could be even higher.

Inspired by International Women's Day last month, Pink's April issue, which comes out with The Times tomorrow, delves into sexual discrimination, gender equality and domestic violence through a victim's first-hand account and an interview with former Italian TV journalist, MEP Lilly Gruber.

The aim is to raise awareness of these harsh realities, which could be occurring in the house next door but which are often kept under lock and key for shame and fear.

Through its articles, Pink also hopes to encourage victims of abusive relationships to report these crimes in the knowledge of the existence of structures to protect them.

Ms Gruber raises some convincing - if not negative - points about women's position in society, maintaining that they have regressed. She presents a contrasting picture to the one painted in the magazine's light-hearted vox pop, where the majority of women claimed they were leading balanced relationships and "shared the pants".

From the health point of view, the harm caused by the abuse and misuse of antibiotics is not to be ignored. Pink shines a spotlight on the adverse effects of a pro-antibiotic culture in Malta, where studies show that more than 50 per cent of the population - a staggeringly high percentage - admit to resorting to these drugs at least once a year. The wonder drug risks becoming ineffective and is creating a superbug. Resistance to antibiotics has, indeed, become one of the world's most pressing public health problems, Pink finds.

As regards literature, it is not surprising that the best seller in local stores is the late Pope John Paul II's Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way, listed in Pink's new section on the top 10 books, both in Malta and the UK. While millions of pilgrims flocked to Rome to attend the unforgettable Polish Pontiff's funeral, others were keen to refresh their memory of his life and works, which brought about an indelible effect on the world.

A monthly magazine, Pink's sixth edition tomorrow is replete with features, fashion, fitness, health, humour, beauty, books and more. Published by Allied Newspapers Ltd and produced by MediaMaker, its executive editors are The Times journalists Fiona Galea Debono and Ariadne Massa.

pink@timesofmalta.com