Equality Beyond Gender Roles

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:

Press Release in English

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, andthe 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.

Advert – Business Breakfast Press Release – Business Breakfast for Employers

Presentation 1: Project Overview, Mr Joseph Debono – NCPE

Presentation 2: Parental Leave – Where are the fathers?, Dr JosAnn Cutajar – UOM

Consultation Sessions:

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.

Advert- Employers Presentation 1: Consultation Session for Employers I

Presentation 2: Consultation Session for Employers II

Drafting a Work-Life Balance Policy

Animated Video-clip

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.

Photos Promotional material – Flyer

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. Poster

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. Advert

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. Photos 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. Blog Video-clip Other promotional material such as posters, newspaper adverts, flyers and brochures were also produced to ensure visibility of the project. Posters of Role Models Poster of Students Quotes General Leaflet Lapel Pin

Final Conference:

Press Release in English

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 Date	December 2017
End Date	December 2017
Partner	The Drama Unit Associate Partners Malta Employers’ Association (MEA) General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC)