As Malta moves closer to its next general election, political parties have already begun outlining their promises and priorities for the country’s future. Just days before these Malta election 2026 proposals started to emerge, we published a call for contributions on April 20th on the Women for Women (Malta) Facebook group, inviting women to share what they would like to see reflected in the upcoming electoral agenda. The response was immediate and thoughtful – and interestingly, several of the themes now being discussed at political level echo the very concerns raised by women in that initial conversation.
This overlap is not coincidental. It is a reminder that when women come together and speak openly about their realities, priorities, and expectations, their voices carry weight. What follows is not just commentary on policy, but a reflection of lived experience – insights that continue to shape, challenge, and, in some cases, align with the direction political parties are beginning to take.
Following our call for contributions, women shared a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Taken together, they paint a clear picture – not just of isolated concerns, but of systemic gaps, everyday struggles, and a strong demand for fairness, dignity, and meaningful change.
When Policies Miss the Point
A recurring concern is that many policies exist in theory, but fail in practice. Childcare is a key example. While often described as “free”, women pointed out that those who need it most frequently face barriers due to rigid criteria. At the same time, there is a growing concern that systems are designed to maximise numbers rather than ensure quality care.
The frustration is not simply about policy gaps – it is about a lack of real understanding from decision-makers of what families actually experience on the ground.
The Invisible Struggle of Single Women
One of the strongest themes to emerge is the feeling of being overlooked as a single woman. Many described a system that offers little to no support for those who are independent, despite contributing consistently through work, taxes, and education.
Women spoke of working tirelessly, studying, budgeting, and saving, only to feel financially strained and excluded from benefits. Some expressed deep frustration at what they perceive as an imbalance where effort and responsibility are not adequately recognised.
This sentiment has led, for some, to disengagement from the political process altogether, with a feeling that neither major party truly represents them.
Motherhood, Time, and Choice
Calls for longer maternity leave were among the most consistent demands, with many women advocating for up to one year. Beyond that, there is a clear push for structural support, including a guaranteed right to reduced or part-time work after childbirth, without needing employer approval.
Women emphasised that returning to work too early can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, particularly for those who wish to breastfeed or lack support systems. Extending paternity leave and making it non-transferable was also raised as a way to promote more balanced parenting and stronger family dynamics.
At the same time, practical issues such as the lack of warm meals in schools and the need for more flexible school transport arrangements highlight how everyday family realities are often overlooked.
Barriers to Care and Support
Access to healthcare and support services remains a major concern. Women shared experiences of facing bureaucratic obstacles when trying to access therapy for their children, particularly in situations involving absent or uncooperative parents.
Mental health, while widely discussed, is still difficult to access in practice, with long waiting times and complex processes delaying critical early intervention.
There are also broader calls for:
~ Better workplace inclusion for neurodivergent individuals
~ Recognition of post-separation abuse within legal and social systems
~ Continued health screening beyond the age of 70
~ Investment in healthcare systems and staff, rather than infrastructure alone
Additionally, concerns were raised about unqualified individuals offering health and nutrition advice, with calls for stronger regulation to protect vulnerable women from misinformation and exploitation.
Reproductive Rights and Bodily Autonomy
Some women made clear and direct calls for reform in reproductive healthcare – including access to safe abortion and free contraception. These are framed not only as healthcare issues, but as matters of autonomy, equality, and dignity.
Fairness in Benefits and Work
A strong thread running through many contributions is the need for a fairer balance in how benefits are distributed. Women highlighted situations where returning to work does not feel financially worthwhile, while others feel overburdened despite contributing significantly.
There were also specific calls to better support:
- ~ Single mothers pursuing higher education, without penalising them through reduced assistance
- ~ Women with invisible disabilities, who may struggle to work but receive insufficient support
- ~ Individuals who are self-employed or fall outside traditional support structures
At its core, the message is clear: support should uplift those in need without discouraging effort, ambition, or long-term contribution.
Safety, Justice, and Accountability
Some of the most urgent and emotional responses centred around safety and justice. Women raised serious concerns about the handling of sexual violence cases, highlighting what they perceive as inadequate punishment and a lack of proportional justice, particularly in cases involving children.
There were strong calls for:
~ Harsher penalties for rape and abuse
~ Greater prioritisation of crimes against women and children
~ Improved safety in public spaces, including increased policing and surveillance
These concerns reflect a deeper demand for a justice system that truly protects victims and reflects the seriousness of such crimes.
Environment, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life
Beyond social policy, many women expressed concern about the broader direction of the country.
Environmental protection featured prominently, with calls to:
- ~ Limit overdevelopment
- ~ Strengthen enforcement against environmental abuse
- ~ Protect wildlife and natural spaces
- ~ Invest in cleaner transport and cycling infrastructure
There is also a growing desire for a better quality of life, including cleaner air, fewer cars, more green spaces, and stronger community connections.
Public transport, road safety, and urban planning were all highlighted as areas requiring urgent improvement.
Animal Welfare and Ethical Responsibility
Animal welfare emerged as an important issue, with calls for:
- ~ Stronger penalties for animal abuse
- ~ Humane management of animal populations
- ~ Removal of tax on veterinary care
These concerns reflect a broader emphasis on ethical responsibility and compassion in policymaking.
Education and the Future
Women also spoke about the need for a stronger, more forward-looking education system: one that prepares children not just academically, but socially and emotionally.
Suggestions included:
- ~ Improving overall education quality
- ~ Preparing students for an AI-driven future
- ~ Encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement
- ~ Reducing unnecessary stress on children and allowing more time for play
There were also practical suggestions, such as holding exams in students’ own schools to reduce logistical strain.
Ageing, Independence, and Dignity
Concerns around ageing focused on maintaining dignity and independence. Suggestions included stricter fitness-to-drive assessments for elderly drivers, paired with alternative transport support such as subsidies or allowances.
The message is clear: safety and independence should go hand in hand.
A Deeper Call for Representation
Underlying all these themes is a shared feeling of not being fully represented. Many women expressed a desire to see more female candidates, more value-driven politics, and leadership that reflects their priorities – from social rights to environmental sustainability and economic stability.
There is also a call for a stronger sense of community: one rooted in respect, support, and shared responsibility.
More Than Promises
What these voices ultimately highlight is not just a list of demands, but a call for a different approach to governance. Women are asking for policies that are not only well-intentioned, but well-designed, fairly implemented, and grounded in real life.
As the election approaches, these perspectives offer a powerful reminder: women are engaged, informed, and ready to hold decision-makers accountable.
They are not just asking to be heard; they are expecting to be understood.
Do you have an experience you’d like to share with us at Wham, either in your name or anonymously? Contact us! We’d love to hear from you!
Claire Galea is a self-employed holistic care practitioner with formal training in nursing. She is passionate about patient-centered care and public education on health and social issues. Committed to lifelong learning, Claire enjoys exploring a broad range of topics, from spirituality to contemporary affairs.
Claire is also passionate about spreading awareness on the negative effects that domestic abuse leaves on its victims’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. She is the author of two downloadable ebooks, namely Heal Your Life Forever and 5 Simple Steps To Creating The Life Of Your Dreams.
Click here to check out Claire’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
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