Implementation issues
| Author | Ellul, Tonio |
| Pages | 76-81 |
76
8 IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
8.1 Dissemination of information, dialogue with NGOs and between soc ial
partners
a) Dissemination of information about legal protection against discrimination (Article 10
Measures have been taken to disseminate information about legal protection against
In 2018, as reproduced in its most recent published annual report,203 the NCPE continued
to offer and deliver training on equality law, different social identities, harassment and
sexual harassment, diversity management and gender mainstreaming to a wide range of
participants, The NCPE offers training services to private companies, public agencies,
schools, hospitals, trade unions, NGOs and other organisations that want to gain an in -
depth and practical understanding of topics within its remit. Training is given free of charge
to public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and for a nominal fee to private sector
entities. In 2018, the NCPE gave 61 training sessions involving over 940 participants from
the public and private sectors, ranging from officers in managerial p ositions and clerks to
students attending Jobsplus, MCAST and university courses.
Training given by the NCPE focuses on the following subjects:
- Equality law: The basic principles of Maltese equality legislation and EU Directives are
explained and discussed. NCPE trainers outline the different grounds of discrimination
in Maltese law as well as the different spheres it covers.
- Different social identities: The different characteristics protected by law are explained
in detail in the context that equality is more than simple non-discrimination.
- Harassment and sexual harassment: D efinitions of harassment and sexual
harassment are discussed in the context of their being a serious form of
discrimination, and sexual harassment a crime . The difference between the two is
elucidated and examples provided. The obligations emanating from law related to
addressing and preventing sexual harassment are discuss ed, and the NCPE outlines
practical ways to deal with harassment as well as good practices for its prevention .
- Diversity management: The term ‘diversity management’ is discussed in its wider
context. Diversity management is not about having different rules for different
groups, but about the valorisation of different identities and the recognition that
diversity can lead to better work processes and outcomes. Practical ways of managing
diversity are outlined and discussed with the participants.
- Gender mainstreaming: The meaning of the strategy of gender mainstreaming is
explained and the participants are guided through the gender mainstreaming
process.
Of particular interest are the NCPE’s recommendations on rent regulation in Malta,
following the publication of the white paper entitled Rentin g as a Housing Alternative. It
was noted that the measures proposed in the white paper were positive and would start to
address a number of c hallenges faced by tenants by aiming to bring about longer-term
contracts and more protection. R ent-related challenges disproportionately affect persons
in vulnerable situations, such as women who experience domestic violence and other
persons escaping abusive domestic situations, pensioners, and migrants who have limited
social networks and low income.204
203 The report covers 2018 and was published in 2019.
204
Recommendations by the NCPE included the introduction of minimum-term contracts, effective protection
for tenants when reporting irregularities, a clause on the prohibition of discrimination and the use and
collection of gender-disaggregated statistics.
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