The local councils and their impact on the female society : participation and satisfaction amongst female residents

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify whether local councils are giving due consideration to women's interests and also to identify the participation and satisfaction of women with regards to services and activities organized by their respective local councils. Two questionnaire surveys were compiled, one sent to Local Councils and the other directed towards female residents. All questionnaires were sent by mail in the :first week of January 2001. Respondents: Local Councils - a 54.4% response rate was obtained. Questionnaires were sent to all 68 local councils. Female residents - a 73.5% response rate was obtained. Respondents were chosen at random from the Maltese Electoral Register. The sample used for the analysis consisted of 5 residents of each local council in the 18 to 60 age cohort. Main Results: 10.2% local councils were providing activities for women. 59.4% stated that their limitations for organizing such activities were financial, 48.6% attributed this to organization set-up, whereas 27% claimed that adequate space was a hindrance. Women - 75.2% were aware of activities, 42% have participated and 78% plan to participate in the near future. 45 .2% respondents feel that local councils are working in their best interest as opposed to 32.4% who feel that this is not the case.