The gender imbalance against women can only be addressed with precise political intervention and the use of quotas, Opposition Leader Alfred Sant said yesterday during the first fringe meeting organised by the Labour Party.

The fringe meetings will discuss the five social documents that will be voted on during the annual general conference later this week.

A number of experts and NGOs attended yesterday’s meeting to discuss gender equality.

Dr Sant said it is important to push the idea of quotas in the political, economic and social sector.

“The Labour plan for gender equality includes the use of quotas as a temporary measure to help women become decision-makers,” said Dr Sant.

Furthermore, he said, the Labour Party had already began adopting quotas at a political level in its national executive elections.

Dr Sant added that the possibility of adopting these quotas in the Labour Party administration should be discussed.

Quotas in favour of women may also be used at a parliamentary level without the need for any major constitutional changes, he said.

Labour Party president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi led the meeting. Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs Charles Mangion and Labour spokesperson for women’s rights and public functions Helena Dalli were also present.