The Archbishop’s Curia reaffirmed its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion during the latest CORE Platform conference, at the Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana for Malta Diversity & Inclusion Charter Signatories.
Focusing on the theme “Women on Board,” the conference opened with an address by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. She emphasised the importance of diversity at all levels and stressed the need to support more women in senior leadership roles. She referred to the EU Directive on women in leadership, targeting 40% female representation in non-executive director positions within private listed companies across Europe by 2026.
Mr Michael Pace Ross, Administrative Secretary of the Archbishop’s Curia noted the encouraging strides that the Church in Malta has made over the past decade by entrusting women with important decision-making or strategic roles, in teaching, pastoral care, and administrative roles. Dr Rebecca Gatt, HR Director of the Archbishop’s Curia, advocated for the crucial role of women within the Church in Malta, particularly when considering the challenges they face in having a voice in what has traditionally been a male-dominated institution. She emphasised how women need to believe more in themselves and their ability to lead, and the importance of changing our perceptions of leadership and gender to create opportunities based on talent and ability, rather than cultural norms.
“Despite advancements, challenges remain,” Dr Gatt remarked, citing the need to balance professional and personal demands as well as to address the issue of declining religious vocations.
The discussions were followed by inspiring insights from Mr Martins Zemitis Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Riga Latvia, and a video presentation by Dr Roberta Lepre.
Attendees also enjoyed a guided tour of the Archbishop’s Curia by Rev. Dr Nicholas Doublet, highlighting the historical richness of the building, as well as the administrative role it currently holds. Networking opportunities in the Curia’s courtyard provided a fitting conclusion to the event.
The event was supported by the European Parliament in Malta.
The Archbishop’s Curia within the Archdiocese of Malta has become the first religious institution to endorse the Malta Diversity and Inclusion Charter, which aims to promote diversity and inclusion across various sectors of Maltese society.
Photos: CORE Platform