Seminar: Women and European Funds
The challenges and successes for women in relation to European funds were discussed during a seminar themed 'Women and European Funds'.
The objective of the seminar, organised on June 5, by the Ministry responsible for European Funds, the Human Rights Directorate and SEM was to put a spotlight on the profiles of women supported through various European Funds and their life stories.
The seminar kicked off with opening remarks by the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Hon. Chris Bonett, who emphasized that European funds must be used so that no one is in a disadvantageous position, particularly in gender inequality, and so that we may all contribute to the growth of the economy and to the success of our country.
Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, made reference to the fact that last November the Government launched the first strategy and action plan on gender mainstreaming with the aim of eliminating gender discrimination. She also emphasised that greater efforts are needed to restrict gender discrimination, stressing that EU Funds are helping to challenge the inequality and the systematic obstructions that can hinder the progress of women.
While focusing on previous EU funding programmes for the 2014-2020 period, the seminar gave participants the opportunity to learn more about the situation of women in Malta from a statistical perspective through a presentation by Mr Matthew Zerafa from the National Statistics Office, and within the context of the Malta’s Gender Equality Strategy, as presented by Ms Annalise Desira from the Human Rights Directorate. Ms Jeanette Busuttil from the Planning and Priorities Coordination Division gave an overview of the outcomes of EU funds in different areas under the 2014-2020 programming period, ending with a visual representation of the success stories of a number of women who benefitted from EU funds in the last years.
Moreover, through a presentation by Ms Therese Fiorini from the Planning & Priorities Coordination Division, the seminar also gave an overview of the opportunities ahead tied to the 2021-2027 programming period with a special focus on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
The seminar continued with a presentation and panel discussion with Dr Darren Grasso, Head of Project Support at SEM, describing the services available by the Agency to facilitate access to such EU funding opportunities.
Mr Jonathan Vassallo, Permanent Secretary for European Funds, closed off the session by emphasising the importance of European funds in support of the implementation of the actions within the European Pillar of Social Righs to ensure that no one is left behind. He also stressed the commitment to ensure the best possible uptake of EU funds in the years to come, delivering better results and outcomes.
A number of participants, including policy makers, representatives of social partners and government entities, non-governmental organisations, and various individuals, were present for the seminar. Together, they explored the lessons learnt and identified possible opportunities for future collaborations to maximise the effectiveness and the reach of the planned expected results.
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