As part of the activities organised during the Focus Week to mark the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, the National Council of Women organised a public dialogue at the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta on the theme of social security entitlements for women.
Earlier this month, Leanda Barrington-Leach of the European Women’s Lobby said: “Women tend to live longer than men, but they don’t have as much savings and security backup as men, so they are often poorer.” Joe Camilleri, Director General (Social Security), gave a presentation on social security measures, with particular reference to retirement and widows’ pensions. This was followed by a discussion where those in attendance shared their thoughts and concerns. In the European Union, 17 per cent of women experience poverty, compared to 15 per cent of men. In all age groups, women face a higher risk of poverty after separation, divorce or the death of their partner. For this reason women must be more aware of their entitlements which they can claim. DOWNLOAD THE FULL DOCUMENT: The Malta Independent Online Dialogue on Social Security Entitlements for Women 17 May 2010
