As parliament reconvened this week following the general election, I felt truly delighted and honoured to be a part of this team of MPs that is undoubtedly the most gender- balanced in our nation’s history. We have come far, yet there is still more that can be done. This achievement did not happen overnight or by coincidence. It is the result of hard work, sheer determination and a visionary outlook adopted by Labour in government. I believe the unanimous parliamentary approval which the Bill to ensure gender parity received is indeed very positive as it elicited cross-party agreement. Under Prime Minister Robert Abela’s leadership, Malta has continued to experience positive change and progressive reform. The Gender Corrective Mechanism aimed at improving the parliamentary gender balance is a case in point. Although I was not elected to parliament via this mechanism, I am pleased that other female candidates are now sitting members of the House of Representatives. Moreover, both parties that made it to the House benefitted from this mechanism as it is aimed at striking a balance across the board, thus enhancing democratic participation and strengthening the female voice and...