NCPE launches LGBTIQ project in partnership with ARC

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE), Malta's equality watchdog, has launched an EU co-funded project called 'Empowerement for Diveristy' (E4D) in partnership with Allied Rainbow Communities.

Objectives

The project focuses on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics and gender expression. The project is designed around Malta’s unique situation in the LGBTIQ+ field whereby in the past 5 years, Malta has passed several important laws thereby placing it at the forefront of the LGBTIQ+ rights. Given the significant changes which came about in a relatively short time span, NCPE has identified the need to address the societal and cultural impact.

The project’s target groups are:

• LGBTIQ+ community

• General Public

• NCPE staff

• Relevant stakeholders

Launch Conference

The conference will serve to launch the project and inform the general public, relevant stakeholders and target groups about the aims, objectives and expected results as well as the initiatives to be undertaken through this project.

Qualitative Research Study

A qualitative research study on the current situation in Malta regarding LGBTIQ+ discrimination will be conducted. This will be both a comparative analysis with a similar research study conducted by NCPE in 2011, entitled ‘LGBT Discrimination Research Report’, as well as include updates with regards to the recently-adopted legislation. The research study will also focus on the recently-added grounds of discrimination in NCPE’s remit, namely gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics.

Workshops with LGBTIQ+ community

Three workshops will be hosted with members of the LGBTIQ+ community with the aim of discussing the issues being faced by the community, identifying the needs to be addressed, and the current deterrents resulting in underreporting. A report of these workshops will be published.

Capacity-Building

NCPE will receive legal training on the laws of Malta relating to the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. NCPE staff will also be trained on how to address underreporting, mainstreaming LGBTIQ+ policies, and outreach amongst others. A report will be drawn up on the outcome of these sessions.

Policy Templates

Templates of the equality policy and the sexual harassment policy will be uploaded on NCPE’s website for wider dissemination and ease of reference.

Awareness-Raising

As part of the outreach of the project, NCPE will take part in the Malta Pride Parade 2021, thereby maximising its exposure with the LGBTIQ+ community, whilst presenting the project outcomes at the 2021 Pride Week.

NCPE and ARC will launch an awareness-raising campaign, consisting of Facebook and Newspaper adverts.

Final Conference

A final conference will be organised to present the overall findings, outcomes and recommendations of the project as well as the evaluation study.

Project Ref. 881831

Project Name Empowerment for Diversity (E4D)

Fund Programme Project funded by the European Union’s Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014 – 2020) and National Funds (80% -20%)

Start Date April 2020

End Date March 2022

Partner Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC)