Malta Malta’s democracy is failing women by design
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Malta’s Democracy: Failing Women by Design

ByHot Malta

In the heart of Valletta, Malta’s capital city, stands the Grandmaster’s Palace, a symbol of power and history. Today, it houses the Office of the President, yet it’s the very system this building represents that’s failing half of Malta’s population – its women.

Gender Inequality in Malta’s Parliament

Malta, often praised for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights and divorce laws, lags behind when it comes to gender equality in politics. As of 2021, women hold only 15% of seats in the House of Representatives, placing Malta 27th out of 33 European countries in terms of women’s political representation.

This isn’t a new trend. Malta has consistently ranked low in global gender equality indices. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021 ranks Malta 47th out of 156 countries, with a significant gap in political empowerment.

Barriers to Women’s Political Participation

So, what’s holding Maltese women back? A study by the University of Malta identified several barriers. These include:

    • Cultural norms and stereotypes that discourage women from entering politics.
    • Lack of mentors and role models in political parties.
    • Financial constraints, with political campaigns often expensive and party funding not always transparent.
    • Work-life balance, with politics often demanding long hours and flexible schedules incompatible with family responsibilities.

Case Studies: Women Breaking the Mold

Despite these challenges, some Maltese women are making waves in politics. Consider Miriam Dalli, Malta’s first female Minister for the Environment, who’s pushing for stronger climate action. Or Marlene Farrugia, a former MP and Minister, now leading the opposition’s parliamentary group. Their journeys highlight the need for more women in decision-making roles.

initiatives like ‘Political Start’, a training programme for young women interested in politics, are emerging. Led by the Nationalist Party’s youth wing, it’s a step in the right direction, but more such efforts are needed across all political parties.

What Needs to Change?

To improve women’s political representation, Malta needs:

    • Quotas or other temporary special measures to increase women’s participation.
    • Transparent party funding to reduce the financial barriers to entry.
    • Greater awareness and challenge of gender stereotypes in politics.
    • Flexible working arrangements in politics to support work-life balance.

Malta’s democracy is indeed failing women by design, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With concerted effort from political parties, civil society, and the public, we can reshape our political scene to be more inclusive and representative.

“We need more women at the table, making decisions that affect our lives. It’s not just about equality, it’s about better governance,” says Dr. Maria Attard, a political scientist at the University of Malta.

So, let’s make the Grandmaster’s Palace a symbol of a truly inclusive democracy. Let’s make Malta a place where every woman has an equal shot at shaping its future.

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