Parliament is not exactly family oriented because most sessions are held late in the afternoon discouraging women who would otherwise spend the time with their families, Alan Pulis, PRO of Amnesty International Malta Group, said, hoping the situation will change.

In a message to mark Women's Day, Mr Pulis said there has been significant progress on the issue of women's rights. In Parliament, women might be in a minority, however, this is expected to change, especially with the increasing number of women at the University.

Mr Pulis said that even though progress might be slow, it is taking place.

Governments around the globe are urged to respect the rights of women and offer protection from any form of violence and discrimination.

As the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women stipulates: "Women are entitled to the equal enjoyment and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other sphere," Mr Pulis added.