A government-commissioned study conducted by the University of Malta has highlighted a steady rise in the number of women serving in local councils since their inception.

The research shows that female representation has more than doubled over the past three decades, the government said in a statement. While women made up only 13.5 percent of council members in 1993, that figure rose to 28.2 percent following the local council elections held in 2024.

Parliamentary Secretaries Alison Zerafa Civelli and Rebecca Buttigieg announced the findings during a recent conference, noting that the study is part of a broader initiative linked to the Malta Flimkien manifesto.

Zerafa Civelli, who began her own political career as a mayor, emphasized that a balanced political landscape requires female participation at all levels of governance. She described women as a pillar of both the family and the economy, asserting that they deserve appropriate representation in the country's administration and its highest institutions.

The report also identifies various obstacles that women face when considering a career in local politics and offers a clear picture of the current landscape.

Buttigieg stated that the findings serve as a call to action to implement recommendations and initiatives similar to those seen in other European nations. She stressed that equal representation is a fundamental right rather than a privilege, ensuring that female perspectives are fully integrated into the political decision-making process. Both officials welcomed the recommendations regarding improved training and closer cooperation with political parties to achieve more equitable representation.