Examining the route to the Maltese presidency through a gender lens

Abstract

The aim of this undergraduate qualitative long essay is to try to shed some light on the Maltese Presidency through a gendered lens by examining the possible hurdles encountered by both genders to reach the very top of the political institution. Notwithstanding that the Maltese Presidency has evolved throughout the years, we have seen that it has been male dominated with the exception of two separate occasions. The fact that it took Malta 32 years of having another woman in non-executive power made us aware that there are still obstacles that are hindering women to enter the political institutions. This research builds on Joan Acker's Theory of Gendered Organisations (1990) which claims that organisations are far from gender neutral and favour men to reach the top hierarchal positions. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews with two former male Presidents, Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami and Dr. George Abela, as well as with the current second female President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Ms. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. With regards to the first female President, Ms. Agatha Barbara, information was collected using secondary data. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the collected information. This research shows that men find it easier to carry on with their career uninterruptedly whereas women have to struggle more to succeed in this male dominated institution. Obstacles faced by women are mainly lack of empowerment, gender differences and enforced gender stereotypes that revolve around the notion of politics. However it also indicates that with great determination, perseverance and sheer hard work, both women and men in leadership roles are capable of reaching the very top of political office irrespective of their gender. Findings also suggest that family upbringing, family support and participation in politics were important aspects that lead our interviewees to succeed in gaining the Presidency.