The Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) welcomes the Government’s declaration in the Budget Speech on the increase in the duration of maternity leave by two weeks in 2012 and another two weeks in 2013. It was also said that employees will not be getting their full salary as for the current statutory 14 weeks of maternity leave but will be receiving the basic rate of €160 per week, which cost will be borne by government.
Although MCWO’s initial reaction is a positive one there are a number of issues that need clarification. Firstly the extent of government’s commitment to the introduction of this measure is not at all clear. So much so that the Minister of Finance felt the need to state that this measure will be proposed for discussion at MCESD. If government is shouldering the financial cost and is truly committed to the increase in the duration of maternity leave, then this measure should be implemented in the shortest time frame possible. MCWO understands the MCESD’s important advisory role, and as such this entity can give valuable advice on the implementation of the extension of maternity leave, however, its introduction should not depend on its approval, particularly after the government’s clear statement on the length of the extension, the time frame for its introduction and the allowance that is being paid.
Secondly, whilst MCWO appreciates the fact that government is itself investing in this measure, it would have been preferable if the extra four weeks were introduced on full pay rather than on a basic allowance of €160 per week. The uptake of the extension and its attractiveness will depend on its cost effectiveness and the financial stability of the parent/s. Women as mothers should not be financially penalised for having children. The economic return of an increase in the birth rate is definitely worth the initial investment.
Thirdly, whilst appreciating that, as declared by the Minister of Finance, the participation rate of women in the labour market over the last ten years, has increased from 32% to 40.2%, it is still the lowest among the 27 EU member states. Moreover, much work still needs to be done to reach the EU target of 65% by the year 2015. Where maternity leaves are longest, female employment rates were highest. This was the result of an OECD study on the link between the length of maternity leave and employment rates for women in 2006 that cited as examplesIcelandwith over 80% andSwedenwith over 70% which rates compared very positively with the OECD average of 57%. Therefore, MCWO proposes that government should start planning for further extending the maternity leave to 20 weeks in the shortest time possible in line with the proposed EU Directive on the subject.
MCWO emphasises women’s extensive participation and contribution to the economy at all times and in multiple ways, even if this input is not always recognised rather than acknowledged and valued. The economic crisis and demographic changes have necessitated new ways of thinking and government has to be prepared to take bold decisions to bring about effective development that will strengthen our economy for the interest of society as a whole.
Renee Laiviera
Chairperson
MCWO
15 November 2011
