Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517228
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 MARCH 2024 8 OPINION Maltese and European women deserve better Claudette Abela Baldacchino Claudette Abela Baldacchino is a Labour MEP candidate THE struggle for women's rights is not a fight that I take lightly. My commitment to human rights and equality has its roots in my experiences as a woman and my belief in socialist and liberal principles, particularly, social justice and individual freedoms. I take this approach to work with me every day, regardless of whether my role is that of community worker or as a member of the European Parliament. As a progressive, and following sev- eral meetings with women from di- verse backgrounds, I am conscious of the urgency to empower every woman to stand tall, equipping her with the rights and opportunities she deserves. Many of us struggle with similar issues and concerns rooted in unequal social structures and processes. I intend to continue contributing towards improving people's lives, through change that can be seen and felt, as I have done during my former roles as president of Nisa Laburisti and chairperson of the government appointed Consultative Council for Women's Rights. I am committed to working further towards a future where gender equality is a given, rather than a debate. To get there, we must continue build- ing our own country and a European Union in which women's uniqueness is celebrated, and where every wom- an can move through life her way, free from discriminatory and condescend- ing gossip, stares, comments, harass- ment or violence. I have met with various domestic vi- olence survivors, mostly women. Their ordeals include struggles against their abusers and secondary forms of victi- misation. As I have done previously at the Eu- ropean Parliament, if elected I will fol- low up closely on Member States' im- plementation of recent EU legislation on the topic, with particular attention to the accessibility of the services for victims and survivors, the quality of the reception that they are offered and the quality of the healthcare provided when treatment is required. Rights are not meant to be on paper. Rights must be manifest in moments of crisis instead. I recognise that for this to happen correctly there needs to be greater synergy between the European and na- tional levels. In this sense, my candida- cy for the European Parliament is also intended as a voice for the voiceless in Brussels, and for justice and support for domestic violence victims in Malta and EU-wide. I want to help women in Malta and Europe, especially those who are struggling, to become leaders of their own destiny and to truly reflect the dynamism and diversity of our socie- ty. Through these concerted efforts, I strive to continue building a political landscape where the contributions and leadership of women are recognised, valued, and integral to our collective progress. Of course, International Women's Day serves as a reminder of the past struggles that we won and which we celebrate. But, IWD also marks the ongoing bat- tles for women's dignity and rights to be upheld at all times. On IWD2024, I salute all the women who are con- tributing to make the world a better and more equal place. My thoughts also encompass the victims of ongoing domestic violence cases, who may feel alone and forgotten. In view of this, I salute all the pro- fessionals and volunteers who sup- port victims of gender-based violence to heal and become strong and inde- pendent survivors. Thank you for your work. I want to help women in Malta and Europe, especially those who are struggling, to become leaders of their own destiny and to truly reflect the dynamism and diversity of our society