Watch: Experienced Medical Consultant Explains Why She Joined PL’s Woman Training Academy
A medical consultant with 27 years of experience has said that joining Labour’s political training academy for women made her feel more empowered and urged others in her stage of life to sign up too.
“I believe that in life where there’s a will there’s a way,” Nadette Spiteri said at a PL event to launch the seventh edition of the LEAD programme.
“Although I have many commitments, I tried to adjust to the exigencies of LEAD and I managed to attend every session.”
“I truly believe in the capabilities of women – we are multi-taskers who can do and think of many things at the same time and who can produce. Give a woman a challenge and you will see her rise to the occasion.”
Spiteri urged older women not to view LEAD as an exclusive domain for youths.
“LEAD empowers you and makes you look at life from different perspectives and it’s not just for youths; we also need women in decision-making roles with established careers.”
“I have been a consultant for 27 years but LEAD taught me a lot and gave me many empowerment skills, and I hope many women take this opportunity like I did.”
LEAD, which is spearheaded by Energy Miriam Dalli, intends to increase PL’s female candidates to 50% by the 2027 general election.
Five PL MPs elected in this year – Rebecca Buttigieg, Cressida Galea, Davina Sammut Hili, Abigail Camilleri, Katya De Giovanni – had originally participated in LEAD.
Energy Minister Miriam Dalli
Dalli encouraged potential applicants to put any insecurities they may have behind them.
“When we ask everyone to introduce themselves in the first session, some would tell you that they’re shy of speaking in front of others. Our position has always been that LEAD is a safe space and that no one will judge you if you make a mistake or say something that you wouldn’t have said in public.”
Meanwhile, PL deputy leader Daniel Micallef spoke of the benefits that entering politics can have in terms of character formation.
“It seems as though it is an international hobby to only speak about the negatives in politics but there are also so many positives, both in terms of reforms and ideas you can push forward but also the relationships you form with people from different spheres of life.”
Do you think Malta needs more women to enter politics?
READ NEXT: Peter Agius Announces His Bid For MEP Candidacy For 2024 Elections
