‘We Need To Grow Thick Skin’: Claudette Buttigieg Says At Women In Digital Era Panel Discussion
Women must develop a thick skin to navigate today’s digital world, especially those in the public eye, PN MP Claudette Buttigieg said during a panel discussion organised by the European Parliament yesterday.
This marked the first event of the EP’s Gender Equality Week with the theme Women in the Digital Era: Safety and Empowerment. It seeks to explore the challenges women face in the digital world, as well as potential solutions.
A panel discussion hosted by Claire Agius Ordway, titled Women in the Digital Sphere: Advancing Gender Equality in ICT and STEM, kicked off the event yesterday. Speakers included University of Malta experts in human-computer interaction, Vanessa Camilleri, AXE Group’s chief technology officer, Marthese Vella, Tech.mt.’s Business Development Manager, Abigail Aquilina.
The discussion focused on the standing of Maltese women in STEM and ICT disciplines in comparison to their European counterparts, noting obstacles to diversity Malta’s digital sector. Through programs like boot camps and workshops, the panel pointed out the value of embracing AI as a tool while encouraging critical thinking.
They stressed the importance of empowering women at a young age and developing confidence in their problem-solving skills.
The second panel, titled Digital Inequality: Risks and Safety for Women Online, addressed concerns surrounding cyberbullying and data privacy. Panelists included ICT and Data Privacy lawyer, Claire Cassar, Member of the Maltese Parliament, Claudette Buttigieg, Former MEP, Josianne Cutajar.
During this session, Buttigieg struck a chord as she opened the discussion in Maltese, emphasising the need to “irridu inrabbu qoxra” (we need to grow thick skin).
While the EU and local authorities already have laws in place, she stressed that better enforcement and increased education are essential, as the average person remains unaware of these protections.
The event concluded with a structured networking lunch where attendees explored how digital platforms could empower women in business and entrepreneurship. I contributed my perspective as a journalist working with Lovin Malta alongside these talented women such as Trudy Kerr, an award-winning interviewer and presenter, and Dorianne Mamo, a prominent radio and TV presenter.
Reflecting on this event it becomes quite apparent that equality, while being an abstract concept, is key to society’s success. Just like in previous years, this year measured and focused on the digital sphere could not have been more appropriate.
After all, how can we embrace a future that leaves half the population behind?
Gender Equality Week kicked off yesterday and will go on until 15th December. Since its launch in 2020, Gender Equality Week has become an important platform for the European Parliament to review achievements and launch new campaigns related to women’s rights.
To strengthen gender equality in all areas, the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee coordinates numerous committees, delegations, political organisations, and administrations.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
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