Human Rights Directorate And University of Malta Launch New Journal On Gender And Sexuality

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Directorate for Human Rights, under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms within the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Malta. The agreement marks the launch of the academic journal ASTARTE, which will focus on scholarly research covering various aspects of gender and sexuality in Mediterranean countries.

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, who attended the signing, stated that this initiative will provide a reliable source of information in the public domain on gender identity, with a particular emphasis on Malta and neighbouring Mediterranean countries. She added that the journal Astarte, named after the Semitic goddess of love and fertility, will serve as a platform for researchers in this field, which spans social, human, and medical aspects, among others.

Buttigieg highlighted that this is an important step forward in expanding knowledge and strengthening inter-Mediterranean dialogue, serving as a bridge between national and international human rights organisations, civil society, and communities, while supporting policy development grounded in ethical human rights principles.

The Rector of the University of Malta, Professor Alfred Vella, commented that the agreement formalises the partnership between the University’s academic expertise and the government, through the Directorate for Human Rights. He noted that the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies will take on the editorial role to ensure the integrity of the research published.

The Astarte journal will publish research articles in both Maltese and English, with the first edition expected in the final quarter of next year. The agreement also provides for workshops and conferences where research by academics, students, and activists will be presented.

Authors wishing to submit their work for the first edition of Astarte are invited to send it to gender.fsw@um.edu.mt. Further information is available from the Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Malta.

Photo Source: OPM_PS

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