The law guaranteeing women voting rights is 70 years old and, yet, the share of women in major political positions remains disproportionately low.
It is indisputable that, since then, the role and presence of women in Maltese society has changed incredibly. This is particularly visible in the professional environment where, in the public and private sectors, women have made great strides thanks to the measures implemented by successive governments. However, political representation lags behind. In Malta, only 10 out of the 69 MPs are women. This situation is appalling and needs to change.
The age-old question is: what is holding women back? Have our heels not been high enough to reach the podium or is the media too distracted by our outfit to consider the issues we stand for?
In my opinion, there are unconscious perceptions at play that hinder women not standing for political roles.
Female candidates are generally asked far more questions about family issues than their male counterparts, which reinforces the public assumption that women weigh family concerns more heavily when deciding to run. Women are questioned on that decision immediately. These questions are not about the woman as an individual but about there still being a bias.
The burden of family is not the only factor why women are less likely to run. Another critical factor is that women are less likely to be encouraged to contest the elections and less likely to be considered as a potential candidate when the opportunity arises.
Even in 2018, there are still some who ask whether we really do need women in politics. Quite frankly, the answer is a resounding yes. More women are needed in politics because a diversity of opinion is required on the political stage. When issues such as women’s reproductive health are debated, we need women representatives who can speak up and fight for the best course of action.
There are unconscious perceptions at play that hinder women not standing for political roles
Many argue that the best candidate for the situation should be chosen, regardless of gender. Yet, it is our individual experiences that may make us a better fit for a position than some others. It is a fact that, being born of a certain gender, race or class, shapes our experiences. Each individual’s struggle thus defines one.
I say all this to state a simple fact: every individual’s experiences matter. And they matter even more so on the political stage. When issues are debated, decisions are made and laws are passed, they affect everyone. If such decisions affect you, would you not want to have a voice in their making?
This should not be a divisive issue, rather a collaborative one. An issue where all sides recognise the benefits of greater representation and then aim to create practical change.
This is one of the reasons why I decided to become part of the Labour Party’s LEAD programme.
LEAD is a 10-year plan, which aims to increase Labour’s female candidates to 50 per cent by the 2027 general election. After introducing internal quotas successfully, this is the party’s next step in the journey towards introducing parity in Maltese politics.
LEAD is helping participants gain on-the-ground experience such as door-to-door canvassing and media exposure. In addition, we have each been assigned a mentor to coach us through various stages of political life, from networking to meeting with the people we, one day, will hopefully represent.
The real question, however, is does this initiative really matter? It matters because women’s political participation and leadership are necessary for democracy to function most effectively. This project truly demonstrates that the Labour Party cares about the future, one which includes a stronger and better functioning democracy.
Closing the gender gap in the realm of political leadership is a challenge Malta needs to tackle swiftly and effectively. Let us not wait another 70 years to finally have equal representation in Parliament.
Rebecca Buttigieg is a LEAD participant.