The project, funded through the EEA Norway NGO Programme for Malta was implemented between the 1st November 2013 and the 31st July 2015. It aimed to build MGRM’s capacity to address policy development and advocacy in specific areas of MGRM’s priorities and actively contribute to MGRM’s advocacy of LGBTI rights at the National level.
This was done primarily through the engagement of a policy and programmes officer on a part-time basis tasked with carrying out policy analysis and research, organise training events, draft policy proposals and papers, represent MGRM at meetings and events at national and European level and maintain or develop partnerships and coalitions with other NGOs and relevant actors at National level.
Project Outcomes
Through the project MGRM was able to:
- Develop a proposal for training of the judiciary
- Hold a meeting with the Police Commissioner to discuss under-reporting of hate crimes, training of police and possible outreach strategies to build the confidence of the LGBTIQ community in the security forces. MGRM was also able to secure additional funding to address hate crime under-reporting.
- Ensure MGRM’s input in the development of the Directorate for Educational Services policies on bullying behaviour in schools and the treatment of trans, gender variant and intersex students.
- Develop and deliver training to schools primarily with educators, student services personnel and secondary school students. A number of educational resources for schools were purchased and donated to the Ministry for Education for use in schools.
- Develop good practice guidelines for Corradino Correctional Facility in the treatment of trans inmates.
- Collate and document a number of oral stories resulting in a publication recording life histories of older LGBTIQ people entitled Grey Pride – A Look at the Lives of the Older LGBTIQ Community in Malta.
- Assist in the organisation of activities around IDAHO (17th May) and Pride Week in 2014 and 2015.
- Draw up and publish MGRM’s new Strategic Plan covering the period 2015 to 2019.
- Hold meetings with relevant actors such as trade unions, NGO networks, professional bodies
- Organise three information meetings one on the Civil Union Act, the other on the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act and the third on MGRM’s new Strategic Plan.