Malta’s Parliament: Where Are the Women?

In the heart of Valletta, our capital city, stands the Grandmaster’s Palace, now home to Malta’s Parliament. Walk into the debating chamber, and you’ll find a sea of blue suits – our politicians. But where are the women?

Malta, a country known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights and divorce laws, still lags behind when it comes to gender balance in politics. Out of 67 Members of Parliament, only 12 are women. That’s a mere 18%.

But Malta isn’t without its trailblazers. Miriam Dalli, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development, is one of them. She’s a woman in a male-dominated ministry, pushing for a greener Malta. “It’s not easy,” she admits, “but I believe in leading by example.”

Then there’s Claudette Buttigieg, MP for Żabbar, who’s been in politics since 2008. She’s seen the change, or lack thereof. “We’ve made progress, but it’s slow. We need more women in decision-making positions.”

So, why the slow progress? Barriers range from cultural norms to party structures. A 2020 study by the University of Malta found that many women felt politics was a “man’s world,” with long hours and aggressive debate putting them off.

But there are solutions. Quotas can help, like the 30% minimum for women on candidate lists, introduced in 2019. Mentorship programs and better work-life balance policies can also make a difference.

And what about the voters? A recent survey by the Malta Today showed that 64% of respondents thought there should be more women in Parliament. So, the appetite for change is there.

Change is coming, albeit slowly. The next general election is due in 2023. Let’s hope it brings a more balanced Parliament, reflecting Malta’s 51% female population.

As Miriam Dalli puts it, “We need more women in politics. They bring different perspectives, and that’s good for democracy.” Let’s make it happen, Malta.