Equity Office annual report 2024-2025

Abstract

Since its establishment in 2022, the Equity Office has made significant progress in fostering an inclusive and equitable university environment. A landmark achievement during the 2024–25 academic year was the establishment of the Women’s Archive within the Archives and Rare Books Collection at the University of Malta Library. This pioneering initiative constitutes not only a first for our University but also a national milestone. The archive proactively collects materials documenting women’s history as it is made, serving as a vital repository for preserving and showcasing, through advanced digitisation, the histories, contributions, and experiences of Maltese women. It empowers current and future generations by ensuring these diverse narratives are accessible and celebrated. We are proud to have collaborated with numerous individuals and organisations who have generously donated or pledged archival materials to the Women’s Archive.

Equally significant has been our initiation of critical dialogues on masculinities within contemporary Maltese society. Recognising that genuine gender equity requires addressing all facets of gender identity, we have launched a series of discussions aimed at deconstructing and challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Such dialogues are essential for understanding how societal expectations shape behaviour, influence power relations, and impact mental health. These conversations contribute to addressing the root causes of gender-based inequalities and promote healthier and more inclusive expressions of gender identity across the university community. Our aspiration is to cultivate a campus culture that fosters healthier identity expressions, supports emotional well-being, and encourages inclusion. Building on the momentum generated by these dialogues, further events are planned in the forthcoming months.

The Access Disability Support Unit continues to provide individualised support to hundreds of students requiring reasonable adjustments to participate in and succeed in their studies. This year, in collaboration with the Office of the Academic Registrar, we have prioritised an online initiative whereby students benefiting from access arrangements will be empowered to share their specific requirements via the Student ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ Management System (SIMS) with their lecturers and departments. This tool will be known as the CAN report. Furthermore, we are increasing awareness of Universal Design for Education - an approach aimed at creating educational environments, curricula, and teaching methods that are accessible and inclusive for all students, regardless of their diverse abilities, learning styles, or backgrounds.

The Race and Ethnic Affairs Committee has been dedicated to advocating for improved inter-faith facilities that reflect the cultural and religious diversity present on campus. This work aligns with the Committee’s broader mandate to foster inclusivity and combat racial and ethnic prejudice through collaboration with relevant university bodies and stakeholders.

Firmly committed to the principles of deliberation and collaboration, we remain devoted to fostering discussions on pivotal and occasionally contentious topics. The University maintains its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), despite challenges in certain spheres. Through sustained effort and collective engagement, we strive to create a university environment in which human rights are respected, every voice is valued and where every individual can thrive.