Malta has made remarkable strides in improving gender equality, according to the 2024 Gender Equality Index. This index, which tracks progress across multiple domains such as work, money, power, health, knowledge, time, and political participation, shows that Malta is the fastest-improving country in the European Union, with a notable rise of 2.3 points since the previous year.

The Gender Equality Index: An Overview

The Gender Equality Index, compiled by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), provides an extensive measure of gender equality across the EU. Countries are scored from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better gender equality. In 2024, Malta’s score stands at 70.1 points, reflecting steady and meaningful improvements across various sectors.

Key Areas of Progress

Malta has achieved considerable improvements, particularly in the political power domain, where the Government has made bold decisions to increase women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions. Efforts to encourage greater female participation in political and corporate roles have contributed positively to Malta’s overall performance.

In the domain of work, Malta has made notable progress, with more women entering the workforce and narrowing gender gaps in employment. Since 2023, Malta’s score in the work domain has risen by 1.0 point, signalling improvements in women’s participation. However, sectoral segregation remains a challenge, with women continuing to dominate lower-paid sectors like healthcare, while higher-paying sectors such as finance and technology remain male-dominated.

Domestic Issues Impacting Gender Equality

Despite these advancements, several domestic issues continue to hinder full gender equality in Malta:

• Unpaid Care Work: Like many other EU countries, Malta faces challenges with the unequal distribution of unpaid care work. Women continue to bear the bulk of caregiving responsibilities, which limits their participation in the paid workforce and affects their long-term financial independence. This gendered distribution of care work is a significant barrier to closing the gender pay gap and improving women’s overall economic status.
• Gender Pay Gap: Although Malta has made some progress in narrowing the gender pay gap, it remains a critical issue. Women, especially those in families with children, experience lower earnings compared to their male counterparts. The gender pension gap, driven by years of lower-paid, part-time work and unpaid caregiving responsibilities, is another concern, leaving women more vulnerable in retirement.
• Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence remains a significant barrier to gender equality in Malta. Women continue to experience high rates of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and psychological abuse. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, with increased domestic violence reported during lockdowns. The Maltese government has taken steps to address violence against women, but further progress is needed to ensure safe environments for all women, both in the home and at work.
• Health Disparities: Women in Malta, like in many other EU countries, report poorer health outcomes compared to men. The intersection of gender and socioeconomic status often leads to worse health conditions for women, especially those in low-income households or facing multiple forms of discrimination. This disparity highlights the need for targeted healthcare policies that specifically address women’s health needs, including mental health services and support for survivors of violence.

Malta’s Achievements in Specific Areas

• Political Power: Malta’s efforts to increase women’s participation in decision-making roles, particularly in politics, have resulted in an impressive increase in female representation. This domain remains a significant strength for Malta, and we continue to push for further progress in political and corporate leadership.
• Work and Employment: Malta has made considerable progress in the work domain, with more women joining the workforce. However, gendered career paths persist, and women are often relegated to lower-paying sectors. Initiatives that promote gender balance in higher-paying industries, as well as more flexible working arrangements, could further reduce the gender employment gap.
• Income and Economic Empowerment: We have made steady progress in improving women’s economic independence. However, challenges such as the gender pay gap and occupational segregation remain barriers to achieving full economic equality. Addressing these issues will require continued efforts to promote pay transparency, equal career opportunities, and policies that support a better work-life balance for both men and women.
• Domestic Violence and Support Systems: The Maltese government has been working to improve the support systems for survivors of gender-based violence, including through legal reforms and the provision of shelter and counselling services. However, societal attitudes towards gender-based violence, alongside underreporting, still pose challenges to achieving complete justice and support for victims.

The Road Ahead

Malta’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its progress, but there is still work to be done. While the country has made significant strides in political participation and workforce equality, persistent domestic issues such as unpaid care work, gender-based violence, and the gender pay gap require sustained policy attention.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of women in the workforce, particularly in caregiving roles, and its impact continues to be felt. To ensure that gender equality is not just a distant goal but an achievable reality, Malta must focus on closing the remaining gaps in economic participation, workplace equity, and social protection for women. Additionally, tackling gender-based violence and ensuring equal access to healthcare are crucial steps towards building a more equitable society.

Malta’s progress in gender equality is a testament to the Government’s ongoing commitment to closing the gender gap. The improvements in political participation and women’s representation in leadership roles are especially noteworthy. However, the journey towards full gender equality remains ongoing. As Malta continues to make strides, the country must focus on addressing domestic challenges such as sectoral segregation, the gender pay gap, unpaid care work, and gender-based violence. These areas must remain a priority to secure lasting equality for all women and men in the country.