An educational campaign about Equal Shared Parenting aimed at electoral candidates, has been launched by Flimkien Missirijiet Inqumu (FMI).

The fathers’ lobby group said that the campaign is called ‘Trobbija Kondiviza: fl-Ahjar Interess tat-Tfal’. Adding that “Equal Shared parenting is a concept where children continue to spend equal time with both parents even after marital breakdown.”

In a statement on Sunday, FMI explained that the campaign hopes to educate the next legislature and both political parties about the importance of having Equal Shared Parenting enshrined in law. Presumed Equal Shared Parenting primarily benefits children in many ways, as shown by various academic studies in psychology, where there is a strong consensus on its benefits.

It went on to say that it also benefits separated parents “who have their role in their children’s lives diminished for no other reason than institutional prejudice, as well as mothers, married and separated, who are still being socially pressured to act as primary or sole caregivers to their children at the expense of a career and financial independence.”

FMI argued that “it is time to put an end to institutional sexism, an open secret which benefits no one, and time to start applying socially progressive models. Furthermore, enshrining Equal Shared Parenting benefits society as it diversifies the workforce, reduces litigation, and accelerates turnover in already over-burdened courts of law.”

FMI said that it is enjoining electoral candidates to raise awareness about the benefits of Equal Shared Parenting in their own campaigns and to commit to introducing it in law in the next legislature.

An informational leaflet has already started being distributed to candidates, a process which will continue in the coming weeks. FMI said that though initial responses have been encouraging, it would appreciate a clear pledge from candidates committed to social progress and safeguarding the rights and interests of their constituents as well as the wellbeing of all Maltese children.

FMI also encouraged concerned parents as well as their family and friends, especially disaffected grandparents, to join their campaign simply by mentioning Equal Shared Parenting (Trobbija Kondiviza) to the candidates running on their district whenever the occasion arises, be it outside or during door-to-door visits.

An informational leaflet is also being distributed digitally through traditional and social media.

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