Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/618165
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2015 17 proving themselves and their worth, before being given a chance…" Mentalities may take generations to change; but HE Coleiro Preca argues that there is much that can be done to facilitate the process in the mean- time. "Structures have to change. Many of the current structures still hinder the participation of women, as they were created by men for men years ago. If we take Parliament as an example, the time when sessions are held are far from being family- friendly… and mostly affect women. Facilities are also lacking. Do we have facilities for breastfeeding in parlia- ment, or to heat a bottle, or separate facilities to change nappies? Is there a play area where a child can be safely left while the parent works?" Female participation in Maltese politics is particularly low by Euro- pean standards, though it has in- creased significantly over the years. It remains abjectly low when it comes to chairmanships, directorates, etc., throughout the private sector. "Regrettably, I have to say that we have not reached true and effective equality, either. We still promote stereotypes. A woman is still judged by her looks, rather than by her contribution to society, or the busi- ness she manages. Even today, most women are compelled to care for the wellbeing of others before they seek their own…" There is also a sinister streak to the situation regarding gender equality. The President alluded to domestic violence, likening it to terrorism (in the sense that victims are often ter- rorised in their own homes). A cur- sory glance at Malta's crime statistics reveals that the majority of murder victims in Malta are, in fact, women. Is Her Excellency worried about what seems to be a culture of hostil- ity towards women in general? "Yes," she replies without hesita- tion. "Unfortunately, violence against women is an ever growing scourge. I believe that a bully at school is a bully in the home, and also at the place of work. It is a self-perpetuating cycle of violence. In other words, violence is generally learnt first-hand: from one's family, neighbourhood and other social contexts, real and virtual. Some perpetrators of violence could have been victims of violence them- selves. When children experience vi- olence, at times on a daily basis, they grow up thinking that violence is a reasonable way to end conflicts, and to subdue the other. Moreover, al- cohol and other chemical substances fuel violent behaviour..." There are, of course, no easy solu- tions. But as with the issue of verbal aggression, it starts with being more mindful of one's actions and its con- sequences on others. "I believe that the media, including the social media and internet, also play a role in portraying negative im- ages of relationships between men and women, and the resulting per- ception is often believed as fact…" If any global message had to be dis- tilled from the President's Republic Day address, it would probably be that we need to work harder to foster an environment which guarantees progress, prosperity and peace of mind. Some structural reforms will be necessary, too. One such reform is being debated as we speak, and it has a direct rel- evance to the Presidency. A Forum for Constitutional Reform is now imminent, and one of the proposed amendments (put forward, among others, by the Opposition) concerns a change to the way Presidents are appointed. The PN has suggested that the President be elected by a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Does the in- cumbent agree? How does Dr Colei- ro Preca herself envisage any reform to the Presidency? "The President oversees and is the guardian of the Constitution. I con- sider this as the most important role of the Presidency. But for the Consti- tution to remain alive and relevant, I believe it needs to be brought in line with modern times, and needs to be updated accordingly from time to time. This is worthy of any modern nation that aspires to serve its people to the best of its ability…" There is the need also to analyze what sort of Presidency would serve Malta's interests best. "As the Presi- dency stands today, there are contra- dictions in the set-up. On one hand, we have a non-executive role. How- ever, the President's function in the Commission for the Administration of Justice, for example, is executive." The President chairs the commis- sion, and has a very executive role in terms of the casting vote. "Another example is that the President is ex- pected to sign a petition without hav- ing a say in the process. I ask, after a 40 year stint, should the Presidency remain a rubber-stamp?" What about the two-thirds major- ity? "I believe that there should, at least, be consistency in electing the most important offices in the coun- try. Since both the office of the Om- budsman and the office of the Audi- tor General, for example, require a two-thirds majority, I believe that the office of the Presidency should require no less." Interview Are we failing our children by fostering a national culture of hostility and aggression? Her Excellency the President MARIE-LOUISE COLEIRO PRECA urges Malta to come together for the common good of mind PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD