Malta’s Political Gender Gap: A Closer Look at the ‘Personal Circumstances’ Behind the Lack of Women Candidates

In the heart of Valletta, at the bustling Republic Street, you’ll find the Office of the Prime Minister. Yet, if you look at the list of candidates vying for the next general election, you might notice something striking – the lack of women. Out of the 13 candidates announced so far, only one is a woman. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s a persistent one that deserves a closer look.

Understanding the Numbers

Malta’s political gender gap is stark. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women make up only 15% of Malta’s parliamentary seats, placing us 142nd out of 193 countries. The situation isn’t much better at the local council level, where women hold just 19% of seats. When it comes to candidates, the numbers are even more disheartening. In the 2019 European Parliament elections, women made up only 20% of candidates.

When asked about the lack of women candidates, political parties often cite ‘personal circumstances’. But what does that mean? Is it a catch-all phrase for the complex reasons behind Malta’s political gender gap? Let’s look some of these ‘personal circumstances’.

Work-Life Balance: The Elephant in the Room

Malta’s political scene is notorious for its long hours and intense pace. For many women, the demands of politics clash with the demands of family life. Malta’s work-life balance is ranked 22nd out of 30 OECD countries, and women bear the brunt of unpaid care work, spending an average of 4.5 hours more per day than men on unpaid work.

Dr. Maria Attard, a political scientist at the University of Malta, explains, “The political culture in Malta is still very male-dominated. The long hours and the intense pace of work make it difficult for many women to balance political careers with family life.”

Cultural Norms and Stereotypes

Malta’s cultural norms and stereotypes also play a role. Women are often expected to take on the bulk of care work, both within and outside the home. This can make it challenging for women to take on high-profile, time-consuming roles like political candidacy.

there’s a perception that politics is a man’s game. “There’s a stereotype that politics is rough and tough, and that women aren’t cut out for it,” says Dr. Attard. “This stereotype is reinforced by the lack of women in politics, creating a vicious cycle.”

Quotas: A Controversial Solution

Some countries have introduced quotas to increase women’s representation in politics. However, this is a contentious issue in Malta. While some argue that quotas are necessary to level the playing field, others see them as a form of positive discrimination that undermines meritocracy.

Dr. Attard believes that while quotas could help increase women’s representation in the short term, they’re not a long-term solution. “We need to address the cultural and structural barriers that make it difficult for women to enter politics,” she says.

One practical step could be to make politics more family-friendly. This could involve flexible working hours, better childcare provisions, and more inclusive political cultures. It’s also crucial to challenge stereotypes about women’s capabilities and roles.

As we look ahead to the next general election, let’s not just accept the ‘personal circumstances’ explanation for the lack of women candidates. Let’s push for real change – change that makes politics a viable and attractive option for women, and change that makes our political scene truly representative of Malta’s diverse population.

After all, as former MP and women’s rights activist Deborah Schembri puts it, “Malta needs more women in politics, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the smart thing to do. Women bring different perspectives and experiences to the table, and that can only enrich our democracy.”