I write to clarify my position following the article ‘Quotas “not right way” to tackle gender imbalance’ (July 21).
While my initial proposal (introducing a separate ballot for women candidates) would also contribute to ensuring more balanced gender representation in Parliament, in the circumstances and given Malta’s situation, I reconfirm my support for gender quotas, especially when coupled with the necessary reforms, such as a full-time Parliament and family-friendly working hours for Malta’s highest assembly (my article In It-Torċa, April 16).
It is the platform that I ran on and I subscribe to it.
I would also like to reiterate my full support to the LEAD project championed by MEP Miriam Dalli, which aims to increase the number of Labour women candidates to 50 per cent of running candidates by 2027.
The objective of the government’s plan and my initial proposal are one and the same. The aim is to promote and achieve higher women participation.