‘Personal circumstances’ – The Unseen Barrier to Women’s Political Representation in Malta

Imagine this: Malta’s political scene, a vibrant mix diverse opinions and ideas, yet one striking feature stands out – the near absence of women candidates in the upcoming local council elections. Out of the 1,100 candidates vying for seats across Malta’s 68 local councils, only 17% are women. What gives?

Numbers Don’t Lie: The Gender Gap in Maltese Politics

Malta, often lauded for its progressive stance on women’s rights, finds itself in a peculiar position when it comes to political representation. While women make up nearly half of our population, they are underrepresented in our councils, with only 15% of councillors being women. This stark contrast begs the question: why aren’t more women throwing their hats into the political ring?

Political parties, when asked, often cite ‘personal circumstances’ as the primary reason for the lack of female candidates. But what does that mean? Is it a catch-all phrase for a more complex issue, or a genuine reflection of women’s priorities?

Behind Closed Doors: The ‘Personal Circumstances’ Enigma

To understand this phenomenon, we need to look beyond the political parties’ headquarters and into the homes and lives of Maltese women. The ‘personal circumstances’ cited could range from family commitments, career demands, or simply feeling unprepared for the political arena. But are these reasons unique to women, or do they reflect broader societal norms?

Take, for instance, the case of Maria, a 35-year-old mother of two from Birkirkara. She’s a successful marketing manager but decided not to run for council this time around. “It’s not that I don’t care about my community,” she says, “but I feel I need to be fully present for my family right now. Plus, the thought of the time commitment and potential backlash is daunting.”

Breaking Down Barriers: A Call to Action

While ‘personal circumstances’ might seem like a valid reason, it’s crucial to acknowledge the systemic barriers that may be exacerbating this issue. From lack of mentorship and networking opportunities to the perception of politics as a male-dominated sphere, these barriers can deter women from running for office.

Political parties, civil society organisations, and the public at large have a role to play in breaking down these barriers. Parties can implement quotas, provide training and mentorship programs, and create a more inclusive party culture. Civil society can push for policy reforms and raise awareness about the importance of women’s political participation. And the public can challenge gender stereotypes and show their support for women candidates.

As we approach these local council elections, let’s not forget that diversity in politics isn’t just about numbers. It’s about ensuring that our councils reflect the rich mix our communities, with all their varied experiences, perspectives, and ‘circumstances’. Because when we empower women to participate fully in our democracy, we all stand to gain.

Let’s make this election a turning point. Let’s encourage more women to run, and when they do, let’s support them wholeheartedly. Because Malta deserves a politics that truly represents us all.