Malta 2.5.5
Aug 07

Malta 2.5.5

  • August 7, 2019

The National Cultural Policy (NCP 2021) adopts a proactive approach to identify and reduce barriers to enable greater and more equal participation in cultural life, regardless of gender, cultural background, age and sexual orientation, among others. Its research plan addresses the barriers that limit cultural participation and adopts a gender perspective to uncover inequalities.

In terms of governance, transparent criteria for the selection and appointment of leadership positions in relevant councils, commissions, agencies and public cultural organisations apply. Attention is given to increased sectoral representation and gender equality.

While there is still ample room for further female representation on boards and in top management positions, leadership at cultural institutions featuring key female positions and senior managerial positions provide a rather balanced representation. Examples include Arts Council Malta and its Sectoral Representative Working Group, the Valletta Cultural Agency, the Valletta Design Cluster, the National Agency for the Performing Arts (NAPA) and the Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS).

Gender issues in Malta are addressed in the programmes of the National Council of Women, established in 1964, and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE). There are no specific strategies to support women as professionals in the cultural labour market in the form of quota schemes or mainstreaming programmes.

As per National Statistics Office (NSO) data published in 2023, the number of females employed in ‘arts, entertainment and recreation’ as their main occupation was of 5,600, with 7,955 being males.

The importance of recognising Malta’s increasingly diverse and multicultural workforce and the various aspects of its identities and needs is highlighted by the LGBTQI+ strategy for 2024-2027 particularly in relation to the need for cultural mediators.

Several factors contribute to the lower consideration of creative careers among girls in Malta. The following reflections are based on Perspectives on Cultural Participation in Malta 2017 commissioned by Arts Council Malta (ACM):

  • Barriers to Participation: Girls and women face barriers such as time constraints, financial limitations, and traditional gender roles that limit their engagement in cultural activities;
  • Lack of Awareness: There may be a lack of awareness about the diverse career opportunities available in the creative industries;
  • Educational Gaps: While educational initiatives have been effective, there may still be gaps in integrating arts education comprehensively across all schools;
  • Societal Expectations: Traditional societal expectations and gender roles can discourage girls from pursuing careers in the creative industries;
  • Girls with a disability: This section of society may be experiencing a serious double bind, also in the arts.
  • Educational Initiatives: Strengthening arts education in schools and creating programs that specifically encourage girls to explore creative careers;
  • Mentorship Programmes: Establishing mentorship programs where successful women in the creative industries can guide and inspire young girls;
  • Flexible Working Arrangements: Promoting flexible working arrangements to help women balance work, family, and creative pursuits;
  • Awareness Campaigns: Running campaigns to raise awareness about the opportunities in the creative industries and to challenge traditional gender roles;
  • Financial Support: Providing financial incentives, scholarships, and grants to support women pursuing careers in the creative industries;
  • Gender Mainstreaming: The Maltese government has committed to gender mainstreaming, assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including policies and programs in all spheres;
  • Equality for Men and Women Act (2003): This law combats discrimination and promotes gender equality across various sectors, including culture and the arts;
  • Tax Incentives and Subsidies: Policies such as tax incentives for working parents, improved maternity and paternity leave, and subsidized childcare services support women’s participation;
  • Culture and Wellbeing Platform: This platform hosted by ARC Research & Consultancy promotes collaborations between healthcare practitioners and creative professionals to enhance wellbeing through cultural activities;
  • Artworks Campaign: This campaign promotes diverse career pathways in the creative sectors, encouraging more women to pursue careers in the arts;
  • Right to Culture Campaign: Aimed at spreading awareness about cultural rights, ensuring everyone, regardless of gender, has access to cultural activities;
  • Apprenticeship Scheme: This scheme provides women with opportunities to gain practical experience and develop their skills in the creative industries;
  • Diversity and Communities Initiatives: Programs focused on diversity and inclusivity, ensuring women from different backgrounds have access to cultural and creative opportunities;
  • Migrant girls and women: support for their participation in cultural activity and free expression of cultural diversity, as in activities managed by Dance Beyond Borders in collaboration with various entities including ACM.