MCWO welcomes Buzek’s call for more Maltese women MEPs

During a special parliamentary sitting held during Buzek’s visit he remarked “Maltese women MEPs would be most welcome” to which he received deafening silence as opposed to the standing ovation expected by the MCWO.

He also said that while it was up to the Maltese people to vote for female candidates in free elections it was up to Parliament to see what “places” women could reach.

The MCWO deplored “the vacuum that needs to be filled with a gender balanced representation at all levels of decision-making, from local councils to national government and European parliament, as well as in business boardrooms and management.”

Kate Bonello Sullivan, spokesperson for MCWO said: “Maltese women are more than proving themselves at university, making up over 60% of graduates. However, as President Buzek, rightly pointed out their participation also depends on Parliament.”

The MCWO welcomed Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s commitment to keep working towards developing female participation, however they said they would like to see a defined plan of action that will lead to tangible results.

“The MCWO notes that once again both the Prime minister and the Leader of the Opposition have declared their commitment to more female representation at all levels and in all sectors.  But words come cheap.  Action is, by now, more than warranted and long-overdue.  Malta urgently needs to address its democratic deficit, and as stated by President Buzek during a breakfast meeting with NGOs, even if it means the introduction of positive action,” Bonello Sullivan said.