Currently a big argument is raging in Australia as to why women have not succeeded in reaching parity with men when it comes to representation in the highest echelons of society, such as in Parliament or as CEO of major companies. While in some political parties women constitute over 40 per cent of all members, in others the proportion is more like 20 per cent, and it is argued that unless there is a quota system established, this imbalance will never be redressed.
In Malta too the situation is just as dire. Women in higher places are conspicuous by their absence. Where are the women in Parliament or as leaders of industry or as heads of departments in higher educational institutions?
One glaring example of deficient recognition is highlighted in the proportion of women who have been recognised at the annual honours list awards. A quick calculation shows that over a 10-year period, only nine per cent of members of the national order of merit (MOMs) were women and only six per cent joined the hallowed ‘Xirka’ group. While the proportion of women with a medal (MQR) was relatively better at 23 per cent, they are practically non-existent in the list of the very highest honours, which are practically reserved for ancient parliamentarians and foreign dignitaries.
If this deficiency is so obvious for Maltese women living in Malta, it is much more marked for Maltese female (as well as male) citizens living overseas, where almost complete neglect is the rule. In theory, Maltese living abroad are also Maltese citizens, but the difference has become an insurmountable chasm.
Is a quota system also relevant to the Maltese situation?