Ritratt: PexelsThe Malta Women’s Lobby has criticised the Chamber’s resistance to expanding family leave policies, arguing that such measures are essential to addressing Malta’s very low birth rate.
The Lobby said that the Chamber’s view that stronger family leave is an “unsound measure” ignores scientific evidence and international examples. Countries with generous maternity, paternity, and parental leave policies, combined with gender equality measures, tend to have both higher female employment and higher fertility rates.
Lowest Fertility Rate in Europe
Malta currently has the lowest fertility rate in Europe, at 1.06. If this trend continues, the population could shrink by half within 50 years. The Malta Women’s Lobby warned that this would create serious long-term problems for the economy, society, and future workforce.
What Families Are Saying
A 2024 study by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) found that difficulties balancing work and family life, as well as financial challenges, are major reasons couples are having fewer children.
The NCPE’s nationwide survey with people aged 18–39 revealed:
71% want longer paid maternity leave72% want longer paid paternity leave89% believe current parental leave compensation is inadequate
The survey also highlighted that financial pressure and lack of time are among the top barriers stopping families from having more children.
A Call for Action
The Malta Women’s Lobby said these findings prove that Maltese families need more support, not less. It urged policymakers to treat family leave reform and financial support as a national priority.
The organisation is calling for a holistic, well-funded national strategy that includes better-paid family leave and stronger government support for young families.
“Family-friendly measures are not a burden,” the Lobby said. “They are an investment in Malta’s future.”
About the Malta Women’s Lobby
The Malta Women’s Lobby is an umbrella organization focused on women’s rights. It provides a national forum to raise awareness and push for effective policy changes.
