Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, looking up at the Grandmaster’s Palace. Now, picture this: a woman, not just any woman, but the President of Malta, addressing the nation from its balcony. This is not a distant dream, but a reality thanks to the likes of Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Malta’s first female President. But she’s not alone. Women are making waves in Malta’s political scene, and it’s high time we took a closer look.

Malta has a proud history of women in politics. In 1947, Malta elected its first female MP, Carmela Sant Fournier. Since then, women have continued to break barriers. In 2013, Coleiro Preca became the first female Deputy Prime Minister, and in 2014, she made history again as Malta’s first female President.

But Malta’s political firsts don’t stop at the presidency. In 2019, Malta elected its first female Prime Minister, Roberta Metsola, as a Member of the European Parliament. And in 2020, another woman, Miriam Dalli, was appointed as Minister for the Environment, Climate Change, and Planning.

Malta’s political scene is not just about firsts; it’s also about balance. In 2019, Malta introduced gender quotas for political parties, ensuring that at least 40% of candidates on electoral lists are women. This has led to an increase in female representation in Parliament, with women now making up around 35% of MPs.

However, balance isn’t just about numbers. It’s about diversity of thought, experience, and background. And here, Malta’s political scene is rich. From lawyers and academics to businesswomen and activists, Maltese women politicians bring a wealth of perspectives to the table.

While Malta has made significant strides in women’s political empowerment, challenges remain. Women in politics still face barriers, from gender stereotypes to work-life balance issues. A 2021 study by the University of Malta found that Maltese women politicians often face sexist remarks and double standards.

But Maltese women aren’t backing down. They’re pushing for change, both in politics and society at large. Initiatives like ‘Politica’, a non-partisan platform promoting women in politics, and ‘Women for Women’, a political action committee supporting female candidates, are testament to this.

And the change is happening. In 2021, Malta ranked 12th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, up from 23rd in 2020. It’s a testament to the progress made, and a promise of what’s to come.

So, the next time you’re walking down Republic Street, remember that the women leading Malta’s political scene are not just making history, they’re also shaping its future. And it’s a future that’s fairer, more balanced, and more inclusive.