Photo: (Left to right) Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, Ms Renee Laiviera, Prof. ALfred J. Vella, Prof. JosAnn Cutajar and Prof. Andrew Azzopardi

On 1 December 2022, the University of Malta through the Faculty of Social Wellbeing entered into a collaborative agreement with NCPE (National Commission for the Promotion of Equality). 

Present for this signing event were; Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Ms Renee Laiviera, Commissioner & Acting Executive Director at NCPE, Prof Alfred J. Vella, UM Rector, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, and Prof. JosAnn Cutajar, Professor at Gender and Sexualities Department.

The purpose of this Agreement is to establish a collaborative effort and work closely through the development and implementation of collaborative research initiatives carried out by the University of Malta. The role of NCPE is envisioning a society which is equal and free from discrimination and champions inclusiveness whereby everyone, irrespective of their gender and family responsibilities, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, and gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics, is able to achieve their full potential.

The Faculty for Social Wellbeing will be carrying out research within the areas of social wellbeing studies and, in conjunction with other interested bodies, other Faculty departments and collaborators, to set up and deliver courses in various social science-related studies which lead to academic and vocational qualifications. This research will lead to engaging in public debates on issues that concern the wellbeing of society.

Prof. Andrew Azzopardi stated that “Ensuring equality is the ‘raison d'être’ shared by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing and NCPE. This agreement is another loop in ensuring that our communities will create safer spaces for all people to function effectively. This occasion will also build on a number of other agreements with a wide ranging commitment to contribute to having better and more effective communities.”

The outcomes from this research will be the basis of a future campaign which will address the stereotypes and prejudices that exist in our society.

Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg said that “This kind of research is needed in order to know what needs to be changed in our society. Although international research has already been conducted about gender and equality issues, this research in collaboration with the University of Malta will help us better understand the issues in the local scene.”