Objectives:
This
Project aimed to raise and increase awareness on the importance of men’s role in
gender equality as well as the benefits of the uptake of various
family-friendly measures (FFMs) by men. It also sought to break down stereotypes
tied to traditional gender roles among employers and society at large and
highlight the benefits of sharing family and domestic responsibilities through
the uptake of various incentives by both men and women.
The
project aimed to:
raise awareness
on the relevance of men’s role in gender equality, in order to reach a fair and
equal balance between work and private life, and between paid and unpaid work;
break down
gender stereotypes tied to traditional gender roles by sensitising and
empowering students, employers and citizens;
further
encourage men to take action to combat or prevent unilateral
responsibilities, to share domestic duties and care responsibilities, as well
as to strive towards equal economic independence between the genders; and
increase overall awareness of the various types of FFMs and the
benefits and responsibilities of making use of them.
Launch Conference:
Business
Breakfast:
A
Business Breakfast for Employers was organised on the 23rd January
2017 and included discussion on the different types of Family-Friendly Measures
(FFMs) employers can introduce in their workplaces. The event focused on the
economic and financial impact of FFMs, the employees’ wellbeing, and the
benefits as well as obstacles faced by both employers and employees. A panel made up of six representatives of social partners and
employers was facilitated by Dr JosAnn Cutajar, Senior
Lecturer at the Gender Studies Department, University of Malta.
The
Business Breakfast was followed by two Consultation Sessions held in April-May
and September 2017, were employers had the opportunity to debate the issues
concerning the provision and uptake of FFMs, whilst learning to adapt to
flexible working arrangements. The sessions also focused on the implementation
of developing a Work-Life Balance Policy, which is inclusive to all employees
irrespective of their employment.
Theatre
in Education Sessions:
Theatre in
Education Sessions
NCPE in collaboration with the Drama Unit
organised a series of drama sessions in secondary schools, targeting students
aged 14-16 years, with the purpose of encouraging youths to challenge notions
tied to traditional roles of men and women.
Equality
Beyond Uni:
An event at university was held on the 7th
November 2017, targeting post-secondary and tertiary students. The 6-hr
programme included a photo exhibition; debates by employers, academics and
students; scriptorium of book art by Glen Calleja; screening of ‘Burning
Bikinis’ by Aditus; and live music by Waterwings.
Noti Kkuluriti:
An event for the general public was
held on the 28th October 2017 at Piazza San Gorg in Valletta.
The 4-hr programme included a mixture of music, art and literature where
prominent artists will showcase work related to gender equality, the breaking
down of stereotypes, sharing responsibilities and work-life balance. There were
readings of prose and poetry, drama, a photo exhibition and art installations. Special
guests Airport Impressions.
Awareness
Raising:
A Roving
Van Exhibition had been round post-secondary and tertiary schools in Malta
and Gozo to raise awareness on gender equality, equal economic independence,
the sharing of domestic duties and care responsibilities, and the importance of
the creation of balance between work and private life. Hosts collected comments
of male students on the subjects being tackled, and comments are being
published on social media networking sites.
An online
campaign on social media raised awareness on topics being tackled
by the project. Various audiovisuals, photographs and statements of interviews
gathered from participants during activities were being uploaded on Facebook,
LinkedIn and Twitter. Every two months, NCPE issued a Blog on different topics
related to the project. NCPE representatives also raised awareness on the
Equality Beyond Gender Roles project through TV, Radio and newspapers
advertisement.
Other
promotional material such as posters, newspaper adverts, flyers and
brochures were also produced to ensure visibility of the project.
Final Conference:
Project Ref. JUST/2014/RGEN/AG/GEND/7785
Project Name Equality Beyond Gender Roles
Fund Project funded by the
Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme
and National Funds (80% - 20%)
Start Dates January 2016
End Date
December 2017
Partner
The Drama Unit
Associate
Partners Malta Employers’ Association (MEA)
General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU)