New Academic Journal on Gender and Sexuality to Launch in Malta

A new academic journal, "Astarte" focusing on gender and sexuality studies in the Mediterranean, will be launched following an agreement between the Directorate for Human Rights within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms and the University of Malta’s Department of Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg, who attended the signing, said the initiative will create an authoritative source of information on gender identity, particularly in Malta and neighbouring countries. She explained that "Astarte", named after the Semitic goddess of love and fertility, will provide a platform for researchers to explore the many social, medical and human aspects of gender and sexuality.

Buttigieg stressed that the journal is also an important step towards increasing awareness and strengthening inter-Mediterranean dialogue. She said it will act as a bridge between national and international human rights organisations, civil society and communities, supporting policies that uphold human rights with due ethics.

University Rector Professor Alfred Vella welcomed the collaboration, noting that it combines academic expertise with government support. The bilingual journal, published in Maltese and English, is expected to release its first edition late next year. Submissions are now open through the University of Malta.