MEP Alfred Sant this morning reiterated that quotas were an effective measure to increase the number of women in decision-making posts.

Speaking at the annual conference organised by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to commemorate international women’s day, the former prime minister said that when it comes to the subject of female participation, it felt like he has been running on the same spot for years.

The lack of female representation in decision-making positions was a result of societal factors and the solution should be a social measure, he said. The European experience had shown that quotas were a social, democratic and effective measure, he added.

Dr Sant said noted that the Constitution should be amended so as to allow the introduction of a quota on female MPs.

Speaking at the same conference, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ CEO Miriam Teuma meanwhile insisted that quotas were not enough, and she called for “serious measures” that would help women shed guilt feelings when trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Most often, she explained, women in top positions were torn between their work duties - which for some meant working 24/7 -  and their home life.

The discussion was being chaired by senior lecturer Josann Cutajar who called for debates within spheres with a wider male participation, as men held most positions of power and were therefore key to help bring about change.