MEP candidates complain about lack of political will to achieve gender parity

MEP candidates from the three major political parties concurred there is no political momentum - both on a national and european level - to address the long-standing problem of gender imbalance.

Addressing a seminar organised by the Malta Council of Women Organisations (MCWO) entitled 'Gender Parity in Democracy', MEP hopefuls said that quotas were not the final solution but were an essential step in ensuring a level playing field. 

Former Prime Minister and Labour MEP candidate Alfred Sant underlined that gender imbalance is not only found in politics but also in other spheres. 

Quotas should be considered as an evidence of a failed political system, and should not be deemed as the solution Deborah Schembri, Labour MEP candidate

"Quotas are instrumental to move closer towards a level playing field. There's no other way, because since quotas go against the rules of the market there is no political momentum to address gender imbalance adequately," Sant noted. 

Nationalist candidate Therese Comodini Cachia said quotas would only serve their purpose if they were introduced just as a temporary measure. 

"I'm talking about a cultural mentality change, about shared responsibility. We cannot remain with the stereotype that certain responsibilities only belong to a mother. Quotas would only work if it goes hand in hand with this change in mindset," the Nationalist lawyer argued. 

But while recognising the temporary benefits that introduction of quotas would bring, candidates Deborah Schembri (PL) and Jonathan Shaw (PN) warned that quotas may do more harm than good. 

"After all, quotas should be considered as an evidence of a failed political system, and should not be deemed as the solution. What use would it be if women could benefit from quotas but had no family friendly measures that helped them invest in their career?" Schembri argued, referring to her personal experience. 

Jonathan Shaw added that quotas may be the first step in the present time since their is no political will, but underlined that a change in mentality is also needed from women themselves.

"It's a fact that the introduction of quotas is met with skepticism even from the women lobby," Shaw said. 

Alternattiva's chairperson Arnold Cassola agreed with the introduction of quotas in order to have more female participation on boards and in politics, but said that gender imbalance persists in everyday challenges.