New partnership on International Day of Women and Girls in Science to strengthen equality in scientific careers

In an event marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Xjenza Malta, together with the Human Rights Directorate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening gender equality and the empowerment of women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The signing took place at Esplora, Kalkara, and was attended by numerous students from various schools.

During his speech, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, emphasized that this collaboration is an important step toward making the contributions of women in the scientific sector more visible and sustained. He maintained that this partnership is a testament to the Government’s commitment to continue building a research ecosystem that values talent without distinction, ensuring that the work of women in STEAM serves as the foundation for innovation in the country. Azzopardi Tanti explained that through this strategy, Malta is investing directly in its human capital to ensure that technological sectors remain competitive and resilient. He concluded by stating that the national vision is clear: that no potential is lost due to social barriers and that every girl in Malta feels encouraged to choose science as a successful career path.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, stressed that this agreement will serve as a starting point to encourage more girls to choose science and technology subjects. Ultimately, this will help reduce the gender gap that still exists in these careers. She noted that while this gap is found in every country, the number of female STEAM graduates in Malta is slightly higher than the European Union average. However, Buttigieg stated that further efforts will be made to narrow this gap, as envisioned in the GEMSAP (Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Strategy and Action Plan). The Parliamentary Secretary emphasized the importance of breaking gender stereotypes, social norms, and structural obstacles to achieve inclusivity and equality in these fields of study and scientific careers.

The event was also addressed by Dr Lydia Abela, whereby she emphasized the significance of this international day, as well as the importance of fostering inclusive values, curiosity, and equal opportunities in STEAM fields from an early age. Dr Abela encouraged all students to believe in themselves, maintaining that every subject, including science, is open to everyone as every individual has great talent and potential to offer. She explained that through positive messages encouraging exploration, an environment is being created where everyone feels welcome and capable of succeeding, with the goal of building a fairer and more innovative future for the country. Dr Abela concluded by saying that equality in STEAM is not just a matter of opportunity, but a demonstration of faith in the abilities of each and every individual.

The CEO of Xjenza Malta, Silvio Scerri, maintained that Xjenza Malta will remain instrumental in these efforts because the future of a better country depends on science.

As part of the day’s programme, the students present had the opportunity to follow a series of interactive interviews with prominent local women in the industry who chose careers in science. These interviews served as direct testimony to the successes that can be achieved in these fields. Additionally, the students explored the interactive exhibits at Esplora, with the aim that the experience serves as inspiration for future careers in science and technology.

Through this agreement, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms, together with Xjenza Malta and the Human Rights Directorate, continue to work toward a scientific environment that offers equal opportunities for all.