More women need to hold positions of power if gender equality is to improve significantly, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said in a speech marking International Women’s Day yesterday.

Ms Coleiro Preca said that for better inclusion at various levels of society there needed to be equal representation by all members.

“It’s important to also have adequate representation from women, in every aspect of life, be it leadership roles in the public sector, Parliament and at every instance where decisions are taken,” the President said.

While acknowledging that giant leaps forward have been made in the promotion of equality, the President said there were still areas which clearly needed to be given more attention.

“We have recently set up a network for young women who wish to get into politics and want to be involved on a local, national and international level. Our ultimate aim is to have more people in the public sector and in Parliament.”

Ms Coleiro Preca also called for an increase in measures to help women maintain a positive work-life balance, adding that the authorities involved needed to make more effort to ensure women had access to the right opportunities.

While commending those who chose such roles, Ms Coleiro Preca also offered praise to women who stayed at home to raise their families and were indirectly contributing to the economy and society.

The Nationalist Party said that, while women who succeeded in achieving their goals should be honoured, it was also important to keep in mind those who struggle.

“On this day, the PN also thinks of those who are still being denied their basic rights and who are at the same time enduring domestic violence in silence.” The PN said the fight against such violence should be a priority and called on the government to continue working to ensure that the necessary measures were in place.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela yesterday met female members of the Police Force, Armed Forces, Corradino Correctional Facility and Civil Protection Unit.