A reformed public service : an analytical study on the gender dimension with particular emphasis on females' participation in public administration processes

Abstract

This study tries to assess the social dimension with regards to the change of women's roles over the years, the gender dimension of a reformed public service and to establish whether access for women to higher positions has improved. At the same time, it will also try to establish whether there still exist barriers that hinder females' promotion into traditional positions previously occupied by males in the public service despite Malta's milestones in the field of gender equality in recent years. Women's employment rate in Malta is the lowest amidst European Union countries. This study also tries to take a closer look at some of the main factors which are leading to this low participation of women in the labour market. One of the most crucial resources for Europe's future growth is found in the 'untapped' potential of women and their full integration into the decision Civil service -- Maltamaking process in all areas of its economy. Men cannot be expected to hold back to make way for women to be promoted instead of them. Women have to be better mentally prepared, be better equipped to take every opportunity at top levels and not shy away due to family commitments and other impediments which come along their way. The Maltese Government has already implemented many policies to ease difficulties which women encounter, but with more of a push in the right direction, another milestone would be reached.