Gender Equality & the Welfare State: The Social Construction of Dual Workers/Dual Carers Family Model
Synopsis "Gender Equality & the Welfare State: The Social Construction of Dual Workers/Dual Carers Family Model"
To truly capture an unbiased and fair account of gender inequality in Malta, I suppose a non-Maltese who knows Malta well, is best equipped to achieve this. My friend Cyrus Vakili-Zad, after nearly ten years of extensive and intensive research, has produced an in-depth study of this sensitive yet provocative topic; the status of women in Malta in a rigid male dominated society. Cyrus and his wife, Forough Hessabi, lived in Malta for several years. They experienced daily Maltese life first hand and grew to love the Island Archipelago, so much so that Cyrus has since written several books and articles on various aspects of Maltese social policy. My parents left Sliema, Malta in 1951; I was three years of age. However since 1968 I have been back to the Islands over thirty times. Although I did not grow up on the Island I am able to offer a Maltese perspective on the subject of this book. While editing his book I was able to relate and confirm many aspects that he has so studiously covered. In an impartial manner Cyrus has effectively written this book chronicling the "non-advancement" of Maltese women. Women continue to be restricted to being house wives, mothers and care givers (to both their children and parents). Moreover, finding a female in a senior position in the civil service, business or in politics is an extreme rarity. The first part of the book deals specifically with "Gender equality and the Welfare State" under sub-heading "Malta-I". Each chapter is extensively supported by Cyrus' research, individuals he has referred or spoken to and institutions he has contacted. He also studied "family friendly" European models to discern which would be the best to use in Malta. He found that Sweden and France have made the greatest headway in achieving gender equality. Cyrus has further exposed the extent of gender inequality in Malta by showing how the Roman Catholic Church, the two main political parties and large domestic corporations have also effectively kept women "in their place". In "Malta II", Cyrus provides specific examples of male dominance within the aforementioned institutions and organizations. In the last few years some advancement has been made, however it will take many years before the inequality is balanced. This will depend on the seriousness and effectiveness of the Government (Political Party) and the importance it places on improving this situation. One encouraging factor and glimmer of hope is when I met with Her Excellency Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of the Republic of Malta. During our lengthy meeting in July 2014, Her Excellency exhibited a sincere interest in this topic and many other subjects related to the betterment of the general population. It is the responsibility of those in power (i.e. the Church, Political Parties, Big Business, etc.) to stop offering superficial solutions and promises, as these will not rectify the situation. Anyone who is serious about resolving this complex matter cannot find a better resource than this book. Malta is in the midst of its Third Great Siege - The Male Dominated Society; and this book would serve as a pivotal tool to overcoming this all-pervasive problem. Richard S. Cumbo, Toronto- December 2017
