Gender Toolkit
According to the European Sustainability Development Report 2022, major challenges remain in the area of Gender Equality in Malta. A significant proportion of the female population remains outside the working population due to caring responsibilities and the number of women in senior management positions remains relatively low.
Moreover, votes for female candidates in the national and local elections continue to remain low despite the recently introduced gender corrective mechanism law.
There has probably never been a better time in Maltese employment history to ensure that our talented human resources pool remains not only in employment, but fully engaged and motivated to give its best. Organisational policies and procedures, whether formal or informal, can sometimes reinforce gender inequalities and stereotypes. Against this background, this toolkit aims to put together resources aimed at increasing understanding of relevant issues, creating more awareness within organisations while also helping to avoid gender related issues. We also recognise that there are more than two genders and we should recognise that binary thinking can also lead to overlooking the talents of a significant proportion of the workplace. People of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIGESC) are valuable, and we are also including some very relevant resources to increase awareness of LGBTIQ+ issues in the workplace. .
It is all about making the best use of our talent, irrespective of these distinctions – and creating workplaces where people can give of their best in a positive and supportive environment. The toolkit has been put together by The Malta Chamber Health and Wellness committee, supported by Atlas Insurance and launched in March 2023 but it should be seen as organic and participative – please give us feedback on gendertoolkit@maltachamber.org.mt where you think we can improve, update or add a resource.
Codes of Practices/Checklists
Recruitment and Selection
National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (Malta) – inclusive Advertising: Guidelines for Authors and/or Publishers of Adverts: Maltese or English version
Equal4Europe – Gender Inclusive Recruitment & Selection Toolkit for HR Professionals
Sexual Harassment
National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (Malta) Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment
Equal Pay for Work or Equal Value
Transgender Inclusive Employment Practices
Human Rights Directorate’s ‘Managing with Pride: Trans Work – Same Work’ campaign – VIEW WEBSITE – DOWNLOAD LEAFLET
Flexible Hours & Remote Working
Employer Liability In Remote Working Arrangements – Do We Need To Risk Assess Homes?
The COVID-19 Remote Working Experiment
Malta: employer liability in remote working arrangements – Do we need to risk assess homes?
Position Paper on Teleworking & Remote Working Arrangements
The rise in telework: Impact on working conditions and regulations
Drafting a Work-Life Balance Policy (NCPE template)
Gender Mainstreaming
Malta’s Gender Equality & Mainstreaming Strategy & Action Plan
OECD’s Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality
Council of Europe Gender Mainstreaming Toolkit
EIGE Toolkit on Gender Mainstreaming
The Collection of Data and the Recognition of Sex, Sexuality and Gender
Human Rights Directorate – Maltese Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex, Sexuality and Gender – Maltese and English version
Legal
Key Legislation
The Employment and Industrial Relations Act (EIRA)
Protection of Maternity (Employment) Regulations
Subsidiary Legislation: Equal Treatment in Employment Regulations
Equality for Men and Women Act (EMWA)
Income Tax Act – Tax-Credit (Women Returning to Employment Rules) 2005 and Part-time work (amendment) Rules 2005
Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act 2015
Leave for medically assisted Procreation – Subsidiary Legislation 452.114
Urgent Family Leave Regulations (EIRA)
Equal Treatment in Employment Regulations – Subsidiary Legislation 452.95
Case Law
Harassment
- Mariella Mallia u Elmein Limited (Decision 2775)
- Salama Abdellatif u CareMalta Ltd. (Decision 2517)
- Geniev Zerafa v Phone Direct (Decision 1803)
- Doris Bonello v The General Soft Drinks Company (Decision 2019)
- Anna Punga v Shaun O’Neill iGame Malta Limited (Decision 2425)
Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value
Glossaries/Terms you need to know
EIGE’s Gender Equality Glossary and Thesaurus is a specialised terminology tool focusing on gender equality and aiming to foster a common understanding of such terms across the EU.
X-marker – Human Rights Directorate’s ‘How to apply for an X-marker’ leaflet
Awareness Raising Tools and Material for Workplaces
Skillsoft – Recognizing Gender Bias and Barriers
What You Can Do to Reduce Gender Bias and Why You Should – Susan Fleming – Ted/Cornell University
Global Equality Collective – Unconscious Bias Video Wall
How to design gender bias out of your workplace
Six essential lessons for women leaders
Do you know what gender inequality at work looks like?
NCPE’s poster on sexual harassment at the workplace
Trans Workers Same Work Campaign
Government Incentives and Other Resources for Organisations
Jobs Plus Mature Workers Scheme
Jobs Plus Childcare Subsidy Scheme
Jobs Plus Access to Employment Scheme
European Institute for Gender Equality Resources
Toolkit on Gender-sensitive Communication/Quizzes etc
EIGI – Gender-sensitive Communication – Terms you need to know
Toolkit on gender sensitive communications
EIGI – Gender-sensitive Communication – Key principles for inclusive language use
Test your knowledge
EIGI – Gender-sensitive Communication – Test your knowledge
Gender Pay Gap
Eurofound Policy Brief on Understanding the Gender Pay Gap. What role do sector and occupation play?
The Gender Pay Gap in Malta – European Commission
National Statistics Office Malta
Malta Sustainability Forum background information on the subject