Equality commission urges more women to come forward and contest MEP elections

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) has urged more women to come forward and contest the European Parliament election in May.

Roughly 30% of candidates for the upcoming MEP elections are women, and while this constituted an improvement over previous years, the NCPE said Malta was still far from reaching gender balance.

“To have a more equitable distribution of power between women and men, it is essential that more women participate in the electoral process,” the commission said.

The NCPE said that it recognised the “several barriers” hindering women from their full political participation but stressed that their representation in the European Parliament would give women a stronger voice and allow them to “engage in actions that bring about an equal, just and inclusive society”.

“Women MEPs from Malta have been recognised for their valuable work within the European Parliament,” the NCPE. 

Furthermore, the NCPE said the Maltese electorate was already appreciating women’s participation in this sphere, because, “as observed from past elections, women have more or less the same chances to succeed, as the percentage of women elected is often similar to the percentage of women contestants”.

“Political parties should also do their utmost to encourage women to participate in the upcoming MEP elections,” the NCPE said.

“They should ensure that women have equal access to resources and media coverage, and also review the party structures to address any direct or indirect obstacles to the participation of women in politics in order to move towards a level playing field for all.”

 Malta, the NCPE said, should strive to maintain the current equal representation of women and men MEPs.