So far, only 30 per cent of MEP candidates are women, prompting the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to urge more women to come forward.

The percentage is better than the last general election, when women accounted for only 20% of all candidates but the commission lamented that Malta was still far from reaching gender balance in candidates’ lists.

The NCPE said there were several barriers hindering women from their full political participation, but underlined that their representation in the European Parliament would give women a stronger voice and allow them to engage in actions that bring about an equal, just and inclusive society.

It said that past elections showed that women have more or less the same chances as men to succeed, as the percentage of women elected is often similar to the percentage of women contestants.

"Political parties should also do their utmost to encourage women to participate in the upcoming MEP elections. They should ensure that women have equal access to resources and media coverage, and also review the party structures to address any direct or indirect obstacles to the participation of women in politics in order to move towards a level playing field for all," it said.