Malta’s Democracy: Failing Women by Design
Malta’s Democracy: A Glass Ceiling for Women?
Standing in the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, one can’t help but notice the stark absence of women in the portraits lining the street. These portraits, part of the ‘Women in Power’ project, highlight the glaring underrepresentation of women in Malta’s political scene. Out of the 67 members in the House of Representatives, only 15 are women. This isn’t a mere oversight; it’s a symptom of a deeper issue – Malta’s democracy is failing women by design.
Numbers Don’t Lie: The Gender Gap in Maltese Politics
Malta ranks 23rd in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, a far cry from the top spot it held in 2009. Closer to home, the situation in politics is even more dismal. Women make up only 22.4% of the Maltese Parliament, compared to the EU average of 30.8%. The situation is similar in local councils, with women holding just 25.5% of seats.
This isn’t for lack of trying. The Nationalist Party has implemented a quota system, aiming for at least 30% female candidates. The Labour Party, however, has been reluctant to follow suit, citing a ‘merit-based’ approach. But with only 12.5% of Labour’s MPs being women, it’s clear that merit alone isn’t enough.
Barriers to Entry: Why Women Aren’t Making It to the Top
Malta’s political culture, deeply rooted in patriarchal norms, presents significant barriers for women. Party structures, often dominated by men, can be resistant to change. The ‘old boys’ network’ can make it difficult for women to gain traction. the lack of affordable childcare and flexible working hours can deter women from entering politics, or advancing once they’re in.
Then there’s the issue of online harassment. A 2020 study by the University of Malta found that women politicians in Malta face significant online abuse, with sexist and misogynistic comments being commonplace. This toxic environment can deter women from entering politics, or force them out.
Breaking the Cycle: What Needs to Change
To truly address this issue, we need to tackle it from multiple angles. Parties need to adopt quota systems, not just as a token gesture, but with a genuine commitment to supporting and promoting women candidates. The electoral system could also be reformed to encourage more women to run – for instance, a mixed-member proportional system could increase women’s representation.
But change also needs to happen in our political culture. Parties need to actively promote diversity and inclusion. Online harassment needs to be taken seriously, with tough penalties for abusers. And society at large needs to challenge gender stereotypes and promote women’s empowerment.
