National Responses to European and Global Issues: The Role of Gender in International Relations

Deputy Secretary General responsible for Social and Civil Affairs Ms. Cecilia Attard-Pirotta has been one of the speakers during the Symposium organized by the Department of international Relations, University of Malta and the European Commission Representation in Malta, dealing with the above subject.  Other speakers included representatives from the main political parties in Malta, the EU Commission Representative in Malta, academics, and well as other individuals involved in gender issues.

The panels addressed the issue of education as an important tool for greater women participation in international relations, current women participation in EU Institutions, parliament, as well as the changing trends with regards to women participation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Another important issue referred to the need to have adequate structures which would allow women to pursue a career and which would allow for adequate work-life balance.