The government’s proposals for increased female participation in politics would not lead to women replacing men but would increase space for women, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion of Woman’s Day, Dr Muscat said that unless the system was shocked, change would not materialise. He said that Malta still lacked equality although it had started progressing in a number of sectors.

Courageous decisions had helped jolt the system but political will had been required. He said that in the judicial sector, six of every 10 persons nominated - 57%, were women. Previously, only 35% of the judiciary were females. This was a silent but important revolution.

In the public sector, only 31% women were directors in 2012. The number had now gone up to 39%. The number of female assistant directors rose from 31% to 50%.
This happened because of a clear policy that encouraged greater participation, he said.

Dr Muscat said that in a few weeks the government would be launching its proposals to encourage more women enter public and political life. He reiterated the need for an open debate including with the Opposition in the coming months.