Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard opened the informal meeting of the Deputies of the Committee of Ministers at the Council of Europe with a clear message: strong action against the harm caused by gender stereotypes is not optional, but imperative. The meeting was convened to address the ongoing challenges of gender stereotypes and gender-based violence.
The meeting, titled “Dismantling Gender Norms: A Discussion on Harmful Gender Stereotypes", was chaired by Ambassador Francesca Camilleri Vettiger, Malta's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, and included contributions from several experts, including Samantha Pace Gasan, Malta's Commissioner on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence.
In his speech, Minister Jonathan Attard highlighted the deep-rooted and often invisible nature of gender stereotypes, which he described as “the key to inequality", leading to discrimination, control, and violence — including femicide. “Gender stereotypes are not ancient traditions, but ongoing realities that we must address at their core," stated the minister.
He emphasised Malta's comprehensive efforts to tackle these issues through legal and institutional reforms. These include the legal recognition of femicide, the increase in the number of members of the judiciary and legal aid professionals specialising in domestic violence cases and soon there will be the introduction of panic buttons and electronic monitoring to protect victims. Malta has also promoted gender equality through workplace certification schemes, equal pay monitoring tools, and awareness campaigns. Other key initiatives target sexist hate speech and aim to boost girls' participation in STEM fields.
The meeting also discussed the growing impact of digital platforms in reinforcing harmful gender norms. Participants explored the influence of social media and influencers, the responsibility of the media in shaping public narratives, and effective strategies for preventing gender-based violence. “This is not just a question of equality – it is a matter of survival. Malta is ready to move from words to action in partnership with all member states," concluded Minister Jonathan Attard.
The event was a key initiative under Malta's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, further strengthening the country's reputation in the fields of human rights and gender equality.
The informal meeting was also addressed by Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe Bjørn Berge, Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty, President of GREVIO Maria-Adriana Kostopoulou, Head of Justice, Digital and Migration Department of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights Joanna Goodey, and STISA Co-founder Jean-Christophe Le Toquin.
