Malta’s Political Gender Gap: The Enigma of ‘Personal Circumstances’
In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Republic Street, the Labour Party’s headquarters hummed with activity. Yet, among the sea of faces, one thing stood out – not a single woman was among the candidates announced for the upcoming local council elections. The reason given? ‘Personal circumstances’. But what does that really mean? And why, in a country that prides itself on gender equality, are we still grappling with such a glaring disparity?
A Glimpse into the Numbers
Let’s start with the facts. According to the National Statistics Office, women make up 51.2% of Malta’s population. Yet, in the 2019 local council elections, only 28.5% of candidates were women. This year, it seems we’re heading in the same direction. Out of the 136 candidates announced by the Labour Party, just 32 are women.
‘Personal Circumstances’: A Catch-All Phrase
When asked about the low number of female candidates, the Labour Party pointed to ‘personal circumstances’. But what does that entail? Is it family commitments, lack of confidence, or something else? Dr. Maria Attard, a political scientist at the University of Malta, suggests it’s a combination of factors. “It could be anything from caring responsibilities, to feeling they lack the necessary experience or support,” she says.
Barriers to Entry
Malta has made significant strides in gender equality, but barriers to women’s political participation persist. A study by the University of Malta found that women face unique challenges, including sexism, lack of mentorship, and the perception that politics is a ‘man’s game’. the electoral system favours incumbency, making it harder for new candidates, particularly women, to break through.
Take the case of Maria Dimech, a former Labour MP who didn’t stand for re-election in 2019. She cited a toxic political environment and the lack of support for women as her reasons. “I was tired of the constant attacks and the double standards,” she says. “Women are held to a different standard, and that takes a toll.”
A Call for Change
So, what can be done? Dr. Attard suggests parties could implement quotas, provide mentorship programs, and create a more inclusive political culture. “We need to challenge the norms that make politics seem like a man’s world,” she says. “And we need to support women who do decide to run.”
Back at Republic Street, the candidates’ posters line the walls, a sea of male faces staring back. But among them, a glimmer of hope – the 32 women who did decide to run. Their success, and the success of women in Maltese politics, will depend on our collective efforts to create a more inclusive political scene. Because it’s not just about numbers; it’s about representation, it’s about diversity, and it’s about ensuring that every voice in Malta has a chance to be heard.
“We can’t keep using ‘personal circumstances’ as an excuse,” says Dimech. “We need to ask ourselves why these circumstances exist in the first place, and what we can do to change them.”
