Malta PL MP backs gender mechanism tweak for third parties
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MP Proposes Gender Balance Mechanism for Third Party Appointments

ByHot Malta

MP Calls for Gender Balance in Third Party Appointments

Standing in the bustling Republic Street, Malta’s Labour MP, Dr. Michael Farrugia, has proposed an amendment to the Third Party Appointments Act, aiming to ensure gender balance in the selection process. The move comes as a response to the current lack of female representation in third party appointments, a concern that has been simmering in local political circles.

Gender Imbalance in Third Party Appointments

Dr. Farrugia’s proposal seeks to address the gender imbalance that has persisted in third party appointments. According to the latest data from the Office of the Ombudsman, out of the 123 third party appointments made in 2020, only 27 were held by women. This stark imbalance has raised eyebrows among local politicians and civil society organisations.

Proposed Mechanism for Gender Balance

Dr. Farrugia’s amendment suggests the introduction of a gender balance mechanism in the selection process. The proposal includes the following key points:

    • Each political party would have to ensure that at least 40% of its nominees are women.
    • A committee would be set up to monitor the gender balance in the selection process and report to Parliament annually.
    • If a party fails to meet the 40% threshold, the committee would have the power to propose alternative candidates to ensure gender balance.

Dr. Farrugia, speaking to Hot Malta, stressed the importance of this amendment, “We need to ensure that our decision-making processes reflect the diversity of our society. This amendment is a step towards achieving that.”

While the proposal has been welcomed by many, it has also sparked debate. Opposition MP, Dr. Therese Comodini Cachia, while supportive of the principle, has raised concerns about the practical implementation of the proposal. She told Hot Malta, “While I agree that we need more women in third party appointments, we must ensure that this is done in a way that does not compromise the quality of the appointees.”

The proposed amendment is set to be discussed in Parliament in the coming weeks, with all eyes on whether it will gain enough support to become law. The debate around gender balance in third party appointments is set to continue, with many hoping that this amendment will mark a significant step towards greater gender equality in Maltese politics.

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