OSCE/ODIHR supports dialogue on gender equality and women’s political participation in Malta

Measures to advance gender equality in Malta were the focus at a conference in Sliema, Malta, held on 30 April 2014. The event was organized by the National Council of Women of Malta, in partnership with the International Council of Women and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The “Conference on Women – Building Blocks of Our Society” brought together government ministers, members of parliament, gender advocates and representatives from civil society to discuss strategies for promoting women’s representation and active participation in political and public life in Malta.

“Gender equality is an integral part of a truly democratic society and cannot be disregarded. A democracy without women is only a half democracy,” said Nathalie Tagwerker, Deputy Head of the ODIHR Democratization Department. “Many policy measures exist to increase women’s political participation, including legislative measures, voluntary gender quotas for political parties and gender action plans.”

Mary Gaerty, President of the National Council of Women of Malta, said: “With only 14 per cent of parliament made up of women, Malta should strengthen its efforts to advance gender equality in elected office. We must recognize its importance and women’s rights to participate on an equal footing in all spheres of life, including decision-making.”

ODIHR supports the conference within the framework of its programme to advance women’s political participation in the OSCE region, in line with the 2004 OSCE Gender Action Plan.