Gender Balance in Decision-Making

Objectives:

This initiative was intended to facilitate, through knowledge and specific action, gender-balanced representation in decision-making. Its objectives were:

• to increase the number of women in decision-making positions;
• to empower and enable women to take up decision-making positions; and
• to tangibly support and advise policy makers on gender-balance in decision-making.

Research:

Gender-balanced Representation in Decision-making focused on gender-balanced representation in boardrooms of both the public and private sectors in Malta and Gozo. ​This research study:

• delves into the actual representation of both genders in boardrooms and the perception of management and employees on such gender-balanced representation;
• explored the hindrances that exist and what can be done to enhance gender-balanced representation in decision-making in Malta and Gozo;
• looked at gender-balanced representation in political decision-making positions, focusing on what is currently being done by the main parties to achieve this within their own party;
• what was being done and what can be done at European level.

Gender-Balanced Representation in Decision Making – Research Report

Gender quotas and other measures analysed such measures in boardrooms and gender electoral quotas, as well as any other relevant / accompanying measures aiming at achieving gender balance in decision-making.
Gender Quotas and Other Measures towards a Gender-Balanced Representation in Decision-Making – Research Report

Mentoring Programme:
Through this Mentoring Programme, professionals having experience in a decision-making position encouraged, guided, supported and motivated women who wish to advance in their careers.  This Mentoring Programme mainly consisted of job-shadowing and one-to-one meetings. It aimed at enhancing the mentee’s professional and personal growth.  Moreover, the mentor also benefitted substantially from mentoring as by collaborating with the mentee, the mentor developed creative ideas and thoughts. A publicity campaign, including a Facebook advert campaign, was organised to attract mentees and mentors to apply for the Mentoring programme. Two information Sessions were organised for mentors and mentees respectively, to provide an overview of the Mentoring Programme and to clarify any concerns.  The Mentoring Programme was launched in March 2015 with 30 mentees being mentored.  Following the completion of the Mentoring Programme, a Seminar was organised where the mentors and the mentees shared their thoughts and experiences.  A selection of these experiences were published as a training tool.
Press Release in English – Launch of Mentoring Programme
Empowering Career Development through Mentoring – Reflections on Mentoring for Aspiring Decision-Makers

Directory of Professional Women:

The Directory of Professional Women, launched in May 2015, is an online database with profiles of professional women. Eligibility to be part of this Directory as per below criteria:

• 5 years experience in a decision-making / management position;  and/or
• 10 years specialised expertise in a particular field.

The Directory of Professional Women aims to serve as a positive initiative to address the significant under-representation of women in decision-making positions in the public and private sectors.  The online Directory gives visibility and more opportunities to professional and competent women for appointment on boards and committees, and/or to assume decision-making positions in the labour market.
Click here to access the Directory

Project Ref.	ESF 3.196
Project Name	Gender Balance in Decision-Making
Fund	European Social Fund (ESF), OPII 2007-2013
Start Date	January 2013
End Date	December 2015
Partners	Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) Agenzija Zghazagh