The University of Malta (UM) and the G.F. Abela Junior College (JC) are honoured to announce that they have just been awarded the Equality Mark Certification by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) during the 2024 NCPE Annual Conference. Ms Nadia Abdilla, the University’s Equity Coordinator, received the award on behalf of the University of Malta while Ms Adela Degiorgio, Chair of the JC Diversity Committee, received the award on behalf of the G.F Abela Junior College.

Both educational institutions have collectively been focused on activating and maximising the potential of all members of their community, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic. This certification further recognises the institutions' roles and responsibilities, emphasising their steadfast commitment to an intersectional approach in their policies, measures, and initiatives.

The Equality Mark, which is valid for a period of two years, was awarded based on the evidence of a true commitment by both the University of Malta and the G.F. Abela Junior College to implement relevant policies and practices that concern gender equality and family-friendly measures at the place of work and in the access to and provision of goods and services.

Prof. Carmen Sammut, the UM’s Pro-Rector for Student & Staff Affairs and Outreach, said “This is certainly a milestone achievement that further validates the work of many people who have been united by the collective goal of making UM & JC places for everyone to thrive”.

Intersectionality is central to the University of Malta's policies, measures, and initiatives. Instead of focusing solely on one aspect of an individual's identity, such as gender, the university has developed an ambitious Gender+ Equity Plan. This addresses the multiple challenges individuals may encounter by considering their intersecting identities, including gender, disability, race and ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and social origin. The University recognizes how these overlapping identities can potentially create disadvantages and strives to mitigate them.

 

Ms Adela Degiorgio and Ms Nadia Abdilla accepting the certificates on behalf of JC and UM, respectively

The Equity Office together with the Equity Committee at UM have undertaken a plethora of initiatives, most of which are on an ongoing basis, with the aim of making the University and the Junior College a safe space for their members. This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support and continuous effort of:

• The Access Disability Support Committee
• The Gender Equality and Sexual Diversity Committee
• The Committee on Race and Ethnic Affairs and
• The Junior College Diversity Committee.

Furthermore, this award is also the result of UM and JC’s dedicated administrative and academic staff who are committed to EDI principles.

A few of the most notable initiatives would be a number of strategically-timed awareness raising campaigns to advocate for zero tolerance to harassment (such as the recent ‘no to hate speech’ campaign and the zero-tolerance awareness-raising video), discussion events at the Junior college, a compilation of research by University students about domestic violence in collaboration with the UM Library and another the Empowering Change-Investing in Prevention Campaign in collaboration with University student organisations whose representatives proposed a number of actionable proposals to address, prevent and combat gender-based violence. The proposal booklet was also officially presented to the University Rector, to the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg, and Commissioner for Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Ms Samantha Pace Gasan.

Ms Nadia Abdilla, UM’s Equity Coordinator remarked, “genuine implementation demands continuous communication with all the relevant stakeholders. Although organisational change does not happen fast, it remains gradual and steady. We haven't reached our ultimate goal yet, but we've made significant progress over the years. This award provides the motivation we need to keep advancing together as a university community."

Training is essential for fostering an inclusive workplace. Earlier this year, tailor-made training sessions on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion were introduced, with plans to continue offering these sessions both in tailor-made formats and as open training for all staff members. Additionally, faculty-focused seminars are an ongoing initiative to maintain communication and ensure that each faculty assesses its own needs and implements equitable actions based on its specific priorities.

All of these initiatives are solidified by the respective policies, namely a Sexual Harassment Policy, a Harassment and Bullying Policy, Good Practice in Inclusive Language and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy to ongoingly help cultivate a culture of fairness, inclusivity and continual improvements within the community.